Eid al-Fitr 2023 Date, History, Significance, How to Celebrate & More

Eid al-Fitr or Eid ul-Fitr is one of the most sacred and crucial religious festivals that is celebrated by the Muslim community around the globe.

It marks the end of a one-month long Muslim holy month of fasting called Ramadan (Ramzan) and the beginning of the feasting, that is why it is also called the Festival of Breaking the Fast.

It lasts for one to three days, varying from one country to another country. Also, it is known by different names in the different regions around the world.

Eid al-Fitr or Eid ul-Fitr History

The holy festival of Eid al-Fitr was originated by Prophet Muhammad, the central figure in Islam religion, who was born in the 570 C.E. (Common Era) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia to Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Amna Bint Wahb.

He is considered the founder of Islam and the final prophet of Allah in all the main branches of Islam because he formed the basis of Islamic religious beliefs from his teachings and practices.

It is said that when Prophet Hazrat Muhammad migrated to Medina from Mecca, he found people celebrating, entertaining, and feasting.

At this, he stated that the two days of festivity have already been decided by Allah, these are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The latter is considered the bigger as it commemorates the end of the Hajj Pilgrimage with the sacrifice of an animal.

Eid al-Fitr 2022 Date & Significance

Eid al- Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, which is the tenth month of the lunar-based Islamic Calendar, while it does not fall on the same day every year, as per the Gregorian calendar.

Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr begins at Sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon, so this year it is likely to fall on tighter 21st or 22nd April.

In case, the variation is observed on the date, either due to the blockage of view by the clouds or for any other reason, it will be observed the next day.

This day has a lot of significance for the people of the Muslim community around the world. During the whole month of Ramadan, people of the community refrain from eating and drinking anything from the sunrise to the sunset.

Apart from that, they also abstain from negative and evil thoughts and try to get rid of their bad habits. On this day, people are not permitted to fast.

How is Eid al-Fitr Celebrated?

On this day, people go to mosques or community centers to perform morning prayers. This day has a specific Salah or Salat, a particular Islamic prayer consisting of two Rakats or units.

Once the prayers end, all people in the congregation exchange Eid greetings by hugging each other. People wear new clothes and visit their relatives’ houses, exchange gifts and invite each other for the feast.

In many South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, etc., elders in the families give money as a gift, which is called Eidi, to all children of the family.

There is also a custom to give donations on some charity works, called Zakat, to help poor and hungry people. Paying Zakat is compulsory for the Muslims who can afford it.

Like the rest of the world, in India where a big population of more than 20 crores Muslims resides, this day is celebrated with full joy and enthusiasm.

Irrespective of religion, the Muslim brothers and sisters also invite their friends from other religions on feast and exchange sweets with them. The non-Muslims also congratulate and greet their Muslim brothers on this day.

The holy festival of Eid al-Fitr unites the people around the globe and teaches the idea of co-existing with love and respect for each other. Happy Eid al-Fitr 2023!!!

Eid al-Fitr Celebrated FAQs