Muslims all around the world celebrate Eid al Fitr

by Aysha Qamar

Millions of Muslims all around the globe gathered to celebrate Eid al-Fitr this week, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The name Eid al-Fitr translates to “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”

The date of Eid al-Fitr depends on the lunar calendar, which is why it falls on a different date on the Gregorian calendar on an annual basis.

Because the timing of Eid al-Fitr is based on the sighting of the moon as per the Islamic lunar calendar, it can be difficult to predict when the festival will happen in any given country. While some Muslims wait to see the moon themselves, many either use the calculated time of the new moon or base it on the declaration made in Saudi Arabia.

This year many celebrated Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday, June 4 while others Wednesday, June 5.

Eid celebrations vary culture to culture, family to family but begin with a special communal prayer. Muslims like to wear their best clothes or special clothes for Eid and enjoy a variety of meals including sweets.

Eid was first celebrated by Prophet Muhammad in 624CE following a victory in battle- to commemorate the holiday Muslims great one another with the phrase “Eid Mubarak” which can be translated to “have a blessed holiday.

Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for three days and is a national holiday in Muslim countries. In many countries, Muslims gather outside in open spaces to pray due to a large number of attendees unable to fit in the mosque.

We have compiled pictures from different Eid celebrations and are excited to share!