Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and here's where you can ...

20 Apr 2023

ABC News

Eid alFitr marks the end of Ramadan and heres where you can

The setting of the sun on Friday marks the end of the fasting season and signals the beginning of the feasting season.

If you've been holding your tongue from asking a Muslim friend out for lunch, you can rest easy now.

Gone is the season of fasting and here comes the season of feasting.

Eid al-Fitr calls for a celebration — and everyone is welcome to join in.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

It's known as the "festival of the breaking of the fast" because it comes right after Ramadan.

After abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset for a whole month, Muslims around the world gather with their loved ones to indulge in a spread.

The season's all about enjoying great food with great company.

When is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr begins as soon as Ramadan ends, which is on the evening of Friday, April 21.

So, the first day of celebrations will fall on Saturday, April 22.

The Islamic lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the widely used Gregorian calendar.

So, that means Eid falls on a different date every year.

This happens because the Islamic lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, where weather conditions can also affect moon sightings.

For that same reason, the start of Eid may also vary by a day or two between countries and regions.

Hang on, isn't there another Eid?

Muslims celebrate two major Eids in a year: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Adha occurs on the last month of the lunar calendar, which also follows the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj.

So, that isn't until another two months from now.

Food, kinship and charity are common themes in both celebrations.(Pexels: Rodnae Productions)

Eid al-Adha is also known as the "festival of sacrifice", because it involves the slaughtering of livestock, such as goats, cows and sheep.

The meat is then to be shared equally among neighbours, friends and the less fortunate.

How do people celebrate Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr usually lasts for three days but, in some countries and cultures, the celebration can extend for a month.

Some countries, such as Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia and Singapore, also declare Eid al-Fitr a public holiday.

Like many other religious and cultural traditions, the festive season starts off with worship.

Muslims congregate at a local mosque or community spaces for communal Eid al-Fitr prayers, where males and females are separated.(Pexels: Musa Zanoun)

However, before attending the communal prayer, Muslims are obligated to pay Zakat al-Fitr, which is a small donation given to the poor or those in need.

The mandatory donation often equals the cost of one meal or 1 kilogram of rice and wheat, so this differs between countries and regions.

That money goes to the poor and needy, including widows, orphans, refugees and people experiencing homelessness.

Those who have missed fasts during Ramadan and are unable to make up for them afterwards due to health reasons, will also have to pay "Fidya".

Each day a fast is missed will cost a meal's worth to donate.

While charity is an obligation, it is also a reminder to stay humble and to share the joy of Eid with everyone in the community.

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Following morning prayers, Muslims don their finest outfit and open their beautifully decorated homes to visits from family and friends.

Guests are usually greeted with an array of sweet and savoury foods to sink their teeth into, as music and laughter fills the air.

In the spirit of giving, it is common for elders to gift money, toys or sweets to children.

Eid al-Fitr also provides an opportunity to forgive, and seek forgiveness, with one another after a month of spiritual cleansing during Ramadan.

Some cultures believe the role of gift-giving begins the moment you have a job.(Pexels: Rodnae Productions)

How to wish someone celebrating Eid?

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with 1.9 billion followers, so you’re bound to know someone who celebrates.

Wishing someone can be as easy as saying “Eid Mubarak” where Eid means “feast” or “festival” and Mubarak means “blessed”.

“Happy Eid” also works to the same effect, so don’t sweat it.

And, because the celebration is open to everyone, you don't have to stop there.

There are plenty of events across the country so catch that festive vibe, immerse yourself in cultural traditions and dive into delectable delicacies.

What Eid celebrations are happening in Australia? New South Wales

Eid Festival: Auburn, April 20 April to 23 (free entry)
Eid al-Fitr Festival: Newcastle, April 22 (ticketed event, paid entry)
Eid show: Bankstown Showground, April 28 to 30 (free entry)
Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair: Fairfield Showground, April 30 (free entry).

Queensland