Eid al-Fitr is almost upon us, marking the end of Ramadan and the end of the fasting period for many Muslims around the world.
The festival, which was originated by religious leader Prophet Muhammad, is typically celebrated for one to three days and is one of two major festivals in the Islamic calendar, the other being Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Fitr originates from an Arabic term that translates to the "feast of breaking fast", with fasting being forbidden on the day of the festival as opposed to the 30 days of Ramadan that came before it.
Here's what you need to know about the traditions and celebrations involved with Eid al-Fitr.
When is Eid al-Fitr this year?
Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr begins the day after the sighting of the new crescent moon, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of a new month - Shawwal, the tenth of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
As per latest calculations, it's predicted that the moon will be sighted on Monday May 2 this year. Thus, Eid will be celebrated on this day too.
The forecast is based on Saudi Arabia’s Umm al-Qura Calendar and means that Ramadan this year lasts for 30 days - it can sometimes be for 29 days.
How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
Celebrations for Eid always begin with prayers at dawn, which usually take place at a mosque. The festival even has its own special prayer, designed specifically to be performed in a congregation.
The morning prayer is followed by a sermon and supplication asking for Allah’s forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world.
Focused on gathering and celebrating with loved ones, feasting is an important part of Eid. It is tradition for Muslims to break their fast together with large-scale events and festival food - particularly sweet treats - prayer and stalls.
Some of the sweet treats included are:
- Tufahije - poached apples filled with nuts and topped with whipped ice cream or crème fraîche
- Sheer Khurma – translating to "milk with dates" with vermicelli, milk and dried fruits added on top
- Maamoul – a shortbread pastry, usually filled with walnuts, pistachios, sugar and rose water
- Cambaabur – which is a type of bread sprinkled with sugar with yoghurt on top
Muslims also perform the zakat, an act of giving to the poor and needy. In some parts of the world, people even decorate their homes with lanterns, lights and flowers to mark the joyous festival.
In terms of greetings, people wish each other "Eid Mubarak", which means "Blessed Eid".
Though fasting isn't allowed on Eid day, some Muslims continue to fast for six days that follow, as it is believed it creates a year’s worth of goodwill.
