How to End the Feast of Ramadan

Eid begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon at the end of Ramadan.

Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul-Fitr (literally, "to break the fast"), also known as Eid. Eid is a celebration held at the end of Ramadan to recognize the completion of a month of fasting. Ramadan is a holy month when Muslims fast from food and drink from sunrise to sunset because it is the month the holy book, the Quran, was revealed. Fasting is one of five pillars or requirements of the religion of Islam. It teaches self-restraint, patience and humility. Four additional pillars include faith, charity, pilgrimage to Mecca and prayer.

Things You'll Need

• Food

Instructions

1. Pay Zakat ul-Fitr, charity for the month of Ramadan, before Eid prayer. Zakat ul-Fitr is a form of charity which includes giving food, such as barley, dates, raisins or wheat flour, or its monetary equivalent to the poor. Give thanks for your own prosperity and for being able to observe all the requirements of the Ramadan fast. Zakat ul-Fitr is collected at the mosque and distributed to those who are less fortunate.

2. Gather with family and friends to offer a special prayer of thanks on Eid morning, called Eid prayer. Give thanks for having the strength to complete Ramadan and to practice self-discipline. Some prayers are held in large venues such as sports arenas and some Muslims travel long distances to participate.

3. Celebrate with family and friends. Participate in Eid traditions, including community meals or events for children.

Tips & Warnings

• During Ramadan, Muslims donate food and money to the poor. Some Muslims give gifts on Eid, but it is not a requirement.

• The Eid feast is not taken from the tradition of the Sunnah or the way of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, according to the book "Celebrations in Islam - in the light of the Quran & the Sunnah & the guidance of the Salaf," which was compliled by Muhammad al-Jibali. The Sunnah instructs Muslims to feed people from the sacrifice, but not necessarily by holding a feast. However, the Eid feast is a common practice.

References

• Colorado State Muslim Student Associaton: Islamic Holidays and Observances
• Holidays: Eid ul Fitr
• 2 EIDs: "Celebrations in Islam - in the light of the Quran & the Sunnah & the guidance of the Salaf"
• Time and Date: Eid-al-Fitr