About Eid al-Fitr (Eid ul-Fitr)
Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan.
It is a time to give charity to those in need and celebrate with family
and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.
Before the day of Eid, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as
a donation to the poor. This donation is food in order to ensure that
the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration.
This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking).
On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early to perform the Eid prayer. This
consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.
After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually visit various family and friends,
give gifts, and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes
for the holiday. These activities traditionally continue for three days.
In most Muslim countries, the entire 3-day period is an official government/school
holiday.
