March 16, 2026, 11:24 a.m. ET
- Ramadan is a month of fasting and introspection for Muslims that ends with the competition of Eid al-Fitr.
- The actual date of Eid al-Fitr is decided by the sighting of the waxing crescent moon.
- Eid al-Fitr, which means “festival of breaking the fast,” is a joyous time for household, prayer, and celebration.
Ramadan, a monthlong interval of introspection for Muslims that includes fasting, communal prayer, and studying the Quran, ends this week. According to Islam, those that observe the holy month of Ramadan with trustworthy intention are forgiven by God for his or her previous sins.
Nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide — together with the roughly 1% of Floridians who’re Muslim, in line with a Pew Research examine — are trying ahead to the joyous competition of Eid al-Fitr at its end.
They simply do not but know when that will likely be, precisely.
The end of Ramadan is decided by the sighting of the waxing crescent moon. The actual date remains to be within the air.
Here’s what to know in regards to the vacation that marks the end of Ramadan.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2026? Has Saudi Arabia confirmed Eid al-Fitr?
Many Muslim communities all over the world depend on Saudi Arabia and their educated moon spotters to verify the date of the primary day of the month of Shawwal, Eid al-Fitr, in line with Middle East Eye.
The subsequent waxing crescent moon is anticipated to seem within the Middle East on Thursday, March 19, in line with Time and Date, with the primary day of Eid possible falling on Friday, March 20. But the date will not be confirmed till the precise sighting of the skinny sliver of the waxing crescent moon and it might begin the following day.
Eid al-Fitr comes initially of the Islamic month of Shawwal, the tenth month of the lunar Islamic (Hijri) calendar.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr, often known as the Festival of Sweets or Festival of Breaking the Fast, is the primary of two celebratory days within the Islamic calendar. It is marked as at some point however some Muslims will have a good time the competition for the primary three days of Shawwal, the tenth month within the Islamic calendar.
Eid al-Fitr is a time of renewal after Ramadan’s month of non secular cleaning, self-restraint and contemplation and is a joyous time to spend with family and friends. After the morning Eid prayers, celebrations can embody festivals, social gatherings, dressing in your finest garments, gift-giving, charitable donations and leisure, according to whyisislam.org.
What does Eid imply?
Eid in Arabic means “festival” or “feast,” and Fitr means “breaking the fast.” In different phrases, Eid al-Fitr actually means “festival of breaking the fast.”
How do you pronounce Eid?
“Eid” will be mentioned just like the phrase “feed” with out the “f.” But here is a fast Arabic language lesson if you wish to know how to actually pronounce it.
“Eid” is “عيد” in Arabic and is pronounced as “‘ayid.” The first Arabic letter of the phrase, ‘ع’, is a consonant, which is pronounced utilizing the again of your throat.
How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
Muslims will get up early to organize meals and prepare to attend obligatory Eid prayers at native masjids.
Muslims comply with the best way of the Prophet Muhammad, often called “Sunnah” in Islam. On Eid, some particular Sunnahs embody:
- Taking a shower or bathe
- Wearing one’s finest garments and fragrance
- Saying “Takbeer” or praising God on the best way to Eid prayers
- Taking a special path house from attending Eid prayer
Eid traditions fluctuate from nation to nation, however mates and households generally collect and spend time collectively at one another’s properties, having fun with sweets and scrumptious meals after Eid prayers within the morning, which might appear unusual after a month of daytime fasting. Children will obtain items and cash, often known as “Eidi.”
Should I want somebody a Happy Eid?
Yes! While Ramadan shouldn’t be a vacation, Eid al-Fitr is. You can positively want somebody a contented competition with “Happy Eid!” or “Eid Saeed.”)
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is probably the most sacred month in Islam. Muslims imagine it was throughout this month Allah gave the Qur’an, Islam’s holy e-book, to the Prophet Muhammad on an evening often called “The Night of Power” and revealed to him that he was a prophet answerable for carrying Allah’s message. It is claimed that in Ramadan, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed.
During Ramadan, all in a position Muslims previous the age of puberty are required to abstain from all food and drinks, smoking, and any sexual exercise from sunup to sunset. Muslims are additionally anticipated to chorus from immoral actions corresponding to swearing, gossiping and backbiting, and to attempt to scale back detrimental feelings.
Fasting (or sawm) is likely one of the 5 pillars or duties of Islam and is believed to purify the soul, take away distractions and convey Muslims nearer to God, assist atone for previous sins, and remind Muslims of what it’s like to be less fortunate to encourage empathy for others. It is a time for deep contemplation of 1’s relationship with Allah and examine of the Qur’an.
Muslims will in any other case keep it up as normal all through the month however are anticipated to dedicate extra time to prayer, learning the Qur’an, serving to the needy, and considering their relationships with God. Ramadan can also be a time of neighborhood and charity towards others.
“While some non-Muslims assume Ramadan is a holiday of deprivation and difficulty, it is in fact welcomed warmly by the vast majority of Muslims,” wrote Laura El Alam for whyislam.org. “The month becomes a time of community bonding, increased worship, nearness to God, and hope for God’s forgiveness and mercy. Many times an iftar feels like a wholesome party with family, friends, and delicious foods from around the world.”
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect staff. You can get all of Florida’s finest content material straight in your inbox every weekday day by signing up for the free e-newsletter, Florida TODAY.
