Everything you need to know about how Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan. From Eid al-Fitr prayers and family gatherings to traditional foods, gifts, and celebrations around the world.
The Month Ends — The Celebration Begins
After 29 or 30 days of fasting, praying, and spiritual growth, Ramadan doesn't just quietly end. It explodes into one of the most joyful days in the Islamic calendar: Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr literally means "Festival of Breaking the Fast." It's a day of celebration, gratitude, community, and — finally — eating during daylight hours again. For many Muslims, it's the most anticipated day of the year.
Here's everything you need to know about how Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan.
When Does Eid al-Fitr Happen?
Eid al-Fitr falls on 1st Shawwal — the first day of the month following Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. The exact date is confirmed by sighting the new crescent moon at the end of Ramadan.
For 2026, Eid al-Fitr is expected around March 20, though the exact date depends on moon sighting.
Important: Fasting on Eid day is actually prohibited in Islam. After a month of fasting, you are required to eat and celebrate. It's a day of joy, not austerity.
The Night Before: Takbeer and Anticipation
The celebration starts the evening before Eid, once the new moon is confirmed.
Takbeer
From the sunset of the last day of Ramadan until the Eid prayer, Muslims recite the takbeer — a declaration of God's greatness:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd
(God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, there is no god but God, God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, and to God belongs all praise)
You'll hear this echoing from mosques, homes, and even playing from speakers in Muslim-majority countries. It creates an atmosphere of spiritual celebration that's hard to describe to someone who hasn't experienced it.
Preparation
The night before Eid is buzzing with activity:
- Homes are cleaned from top to bottom
- Outfits are laid out — new or best clothing is prepared
- Desserts and special dishes are prepared or bought
- Gifts are wrapped for children and family
- Henna is applied by women and girls in many cultures
- Men trim their beards and apply perfume/attar
Eid Morning: The Prayer
Getting Ready
Eid morning has its own Sunnah (prophetic traditions):
- Ghusl (full shower/bath) before the prayer
- Wear your best clothes — new if possible, clean and presentable at minimum
- Apply perfume (for men)
- Eat something before the prayer — typically dates or something sweet. This is specifically Sunnah for Eid al-Fitr (to distinguish it from a fasting day)
- Pay Zakat al-Fitr — obligatory charity that must be given before the Eid prayer. Usually the cost of a meal per family member, given so that the poor can also celebrate Eid
The Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid)
The Eid prayer is a special congregational prayer performed in the morning. It's typically held:
- In large outdoor spaces (fields, parks, stadiums) — this is the Sunnah
- In mosques when outdoor space isn't available
- In rented convention centres or community halls in Western countries
The prayer consists of two rakaat with extra takbeers (proclamations of "Allahu Akbar"), followed by a khutbah (sermon) by the imam.
What makes it special:
- The entire community comes together — men, women, children, elderly
- People wear their finest clothing, creating a vibrant, colourful gathering
- The atmosphere is pure joy — hugging, handshaking, smiling
- Even Muslims who don't regularly attend the mosque make it a point to attend Eid prayer
After the prayer, the greetings begin: "Eid Mubarak!" (Blessed Eid) echoes through the crowd as people embrace and wish each other well.
The Celebration: What Happens on Eid Day
Family Gatherings
The heart of Eid is family. After the prayer, families gather — often at the eldest family member's home — for a large meal and quality time together.
In many cultures:
- Parents and grandparents are visited first as a sign of respect
- Extended family gathers for a large feast — this is often the biggest meal Muslims share all year
- Multiple homes may be visited throughout the day — breakfast at one house, lunch at another, tea at a third
Eid Food
Every Muslim culture has its own Eid food traditions:
- South Asian: Sheer khurma (vermicelli milk dessert), biryani, kebabs, samosas, sweet rice
- Arab: Ma'amoul cookies, lamb dishes, kunafa, dates, Arabic coffee
- Turkish: Baklava, Turkish delight, börek, lamb stew
- Southeast Asian: Rendang, ketupat (compressed rice), lemang, cookies
- African: Jollof rice, suya, mandazi, sambusa
- Western Muslims: Often a blend — your grandmother's traditional dish alongside a modern dessert from the local bakery
The common thread: abundance, sweetness, and sharing.
Gifts and Money (Eidi/Eidiya)
One of the most exciting parts of Eid — especially for children:
- Children receive money from parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. This is called eidi or eidiya depending on the culture.
- Small gifts are also common — toys, clothes, sweets
- In some cultures, even adults exchange gifts
- The amount doesn't matter — it's the gesture of celebration and generosity
Visiting and Socialising
Eid is intensely social:
- Neighbours visit each other — even across religious lines in mixed communities
- Friends gather for meals, outings, or simply catching up
- Community events — many Muslim communities organise Eid fairs, carnivals, or festivals with rides, food stalls, and activities for children
- Phone calls and video calls to family abroad — Eid is the day phone lines to Muslim-majority countries are busiest
How Eid Looks Around the World
In Muslim-Majority Countries
- Streets are decorated with lights and banners
- Shops and markets bustle with special Eid sales
- Public holidays lasting 3-5 days (government and schools close)
- Cannon fire or sirens announce the start of Eid in some countries
- TV and radio play special Eid programming
In Western Countries
- Muslims take the day off work or school (if employers/schools accommodate)
- Eid prayers in parks or rented halls draw thousands in major cities
- Community iftars transition to community Eid parties
- Many cities now officially recognise Eid — New York City public schools, for example, close for Eid
Eid Lasts More Than One Day
While the main celebration is on day one, Eid al-Fitr is traditionally celebrated for up to three days in many Muslim cultures.
- Day 1: Eid prayer, immediate family, biggest feast
- Day 2: Extended family visits, friends
- Day 3: More visits, community events, winding down
In countries like Pakistan, Turkey, and Indonesia, the official Eid holiday can last 3-5 days. In Western countries, most Muslims celebrate primarily on day one and gradually return to normal life.
After Eid: The Six Fasts of Shawwal
For those who want to continue the spiritual momentum, there's a beautiful Sunnah: fasting six days during Shawwal (the month of Eid).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if they fasted the entire year." (Muslim)
These six days can be fasted at any point during Shawwal (they don't have to be consecutive), and they cannot begin on Eid day itself.
How to Wish Someone for Eid
If you have Muslim friends, colleagues, or neighbours, a simple "Eid Mubarak!" (Blessed Eid) is the most common and universally appreciated greeting. You can also say:
- "Happy Eid!" — perfectly fine in English
- "Eid Kareem" — "Generous Eid"
- "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" — "May Allah accept from us and from you" (the most traditional Islamic greeting)
A card, a small gift, or even a text message goes a long way. Muslims remember who acknowledged their holiday — it means a lot.
Get Eid-Ready with Muslim Store
Looking your best for Eid is Sunnah. Here are our picks:
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For Him:
- Classic White Thobe — The quintessential Eid thobe. Crisp, clean, timeless. $38.90
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The Bottom Line
The end of Ramadan isn't just the end of fasting — it's a celebration of endurance, spiritual growth, and community. Eid al-Fitr is a day of pure joy: prayers, family, food, gifts, and gratitude.
After a month of sacrifice, Muslims celebrate — not just because they can eat again, but because they made it through. And they're better for it.
