explainer
The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims around the world.
The fasting month of Ramadan has come to an end, and Muslims around the world are preparing for Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast.
According to astronomical calculations, this year's month of Ramadan is expected to last 30 days, with the first day of Eid likely to fall on Wednesday, April 10 in Saudi Arabia and many neighboring countries.
The first day of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the appearance of a crescent moon that marks the beginning of the month of Shawal, the October month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.
Since the lunar month lasts between 29 and 30 days, Muslims usually have until the eve of Eid to confirm its date.
After sunset prayers on Monday, April 8, the 29th day of Ramadan, moonwatchers turn to the west, where the horizon is clear, and catch their first glimpse of the crescent moon. If a new moon is visible, it will be Eid the next day, but if not, Muslims fast for one more day to complete the 30-day month.
Other countries are also tracking their own sightings.
Once a sighting is confirmed, Eid is declared on television, radio stations and mosques.
How do Muslims celebrate Eid?
Traditionally, Eid is celebrated as an official holiday for three days in Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of public holidays varies by country.
Muslims begin Eid celebrations by attending prayers held just after dawn, followed by a short sermon.
On the way to prayers, which are traditionally held in squares, Muslims recite takberat and praise God by chanting “Allahu Akbar,” which means “God is great.”
In the Middle East, it is customary to eat something sweet before prayers, such as biscuits with dates, known as marmol. This particular festival is known as “Sweet” Eid, and the distribution of sweets is common throughout the Islamic world.
Muslims usually spend the day visiting relatives and neighbors and receiving sweets as they move from house to house.
Each country has its own traditional desserts and sweets that are prepared before Eid and on the morning of the first day.
Children dressed in new clothes are offered gifts and money to celebrate this joyful occasion.
Girls and women in many countries decorate their hands with henna. Eid celebrations begin the night before, with women gathering in neighborhoods and extended family gatherings to apply henna.
In some countries, families visit cemeteries immediately after morning prayers to pay their respects to their deceased loved ones.
In Muslim-majority countries, it is common to decorate cities with lights and hold festivals to mark the end of the fasting month.
Eid amid onslaught in Gaza
For the roughly 2.3 million Palestinians living in Gaza this Eid, it will be the first Muslim religious holiday since Israeli attacks killed more than 33,000 people. With little food aid and very limited water, Eid al-Fitr in Gaza will be mired in destruction amid continued attacks.
What are the common Eid greetings?
The most popular greetings are “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid Sayed” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language.
The video below shows how people say Eid Mubarak in different languages around the world.