How to Celebrate Eid Ul-Fitr

Eid Ul-Fitr is a celebratory feast that marks the end of the fasting period of the Islamic month of Ramadan and ushers in the month of Shawwaal. For Muslims, Eid Ul-Fitr not only signals the breaking of the fast, but also signifies the attainment of communication with the divine spirit and religious virtue, characterized by sacrifice, self-discipline and acts of charity. Learn more about this significant holy day and how to celebrate Eid Ul-Fitr.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decorate your home and place of business or help your neighbors and family decorate their homes in anticipation of this special day. Balloons, banners or signs that read "Eid Mubarak" will help to create a festive atmosphere in which to celebrate Eid Ul-Fitr.

2. Go Eid shopping. Eid Ul-Fitr is the perfect time to shop for new clothing, especially since the winter days are now behind you and warm weather is approaching. Many shops celebrate Eid Ul-Fitr by staying open late the evening before.

3. Dress in your best attire on the day of Eid Ul-Fitr, after taking a cleansing bath with natural soap. Don't forget to scent yourself with perfumed oil, such as sandalwood. These simple actions are a traditional way to celebrate Eid Ul-Fitr, perhaps because it is symbolic of emerging from the sacrifice of Ramadan into a state of purification in Shawwaal.

4. Share your prosperity generously with neighbors and those less fortunate. Invite neighbors (especially those who are alone) over for a meal and consider making a donation of food to a homeless shelter, orphanage or other facility to celebrate Eid Ul-Fitr with underprivileged brothers and sisters.

5. Give generously of Zakat-e-Fitr. All Muslims with means are required to pay Zakat-e-Fitr (alms of the poor) on the day of Eid Ul-Fitr, giving either the standard 3 kilograms of one's daily food ration or its cash equivalent. For United States Muslims, acceptable Zakat-e-Fitr is considered to be about $10 per person.

6. Get the family to participate in a gift exchange to celebrate Eid Ul-Fitr. Simply place everyone's name in a kufi (round cap) and let each family member draw to find out for whom who she will be purchasing or making a gift.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't fast. Since Eid Ul-Fitr marks the transition from Ramadan, fasting is forbidden on this day.
• Follow the Prophet's lead. Although the Prophet may have dressed well for Eid Ul-Fitr, it was deliberate that his clothing was modest and inexpensive to avoid appearing as though he were putting himself above others. This simplicity has become an icon of Islamic culture.