The Eid Al-Fitr prayer marks the end of Ramadan, symbolising unity and gratitude among Muslims.
Eid Al-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims around the world. One of two major festivals in the Islamic faith, Eid al-Fitr unites Muslims in a shared time of celebration, joy, and spiritual renewal.
This Eid falls on the first day of the 10th Islamic calendar month Shawwal. Eid Al-Fitr on the Gregorian calendar date changes depending on the sighting of the new moon by religious authorities.
At the heart of this celebration is the Eid Al-Fitr prayer, a special ritual that not only signals the end of the month of fasting and reflection but also stands as a symbol of unity and gratitude among Muslims.
Eid prayer is a sunnah
According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) initiated the first Eid Al-Fitr in 624 AD, on the second year of the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina.
Before attending the prayer, the Prophet would also encourage Muslims to carry out acts of charity, namely Zakat Al-fitr, which must be given before the prayer to ensure the less fortunate can join in the celebrations.
Eid prayer, while not obligatory, is a highly recommended sunnah. On the first day of Eid, Muslims gather at daybreak to thank God for their strength and patience throughout Ramadan.
Fasting on Eid is forbidden, and it is sunnah to eat something before the prayer, often dates, as practiced by the Prophet (PBUH).
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is said to have performed this prayer in an open, outdoor space, encouraging worshippers to gather in large numbers to perform this prayer together.
Muslims are also encouraged to dress in their best, new clothes as a sign of respect and reverence for the celebration.
How to carry out the Eid Al-Fitr prayer
On the way to the prayer, Muslims praise God loudly and in unison, chanting the takbir:
Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar. Lā ilāha illà l-Lāh. Allāhu Akbar, Allahu akbar, wa-li-l-Lāh al-hamd
“Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. There is no God but Allah. Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.”
There is no athan (call to prayer) for the Eid Al-Fitr prayer. It consists of two rak’ahs (units of prayer).
In the first rak’ah, after the opening takbir, there are extra takbirs that are said before reciting the first chapter of the Quran (Al-Fatiha) and another chapter. The number of takbirs is dependent on the Imam, the leader of the congregational prayer.
Following the prayer, a sermon is delivered, in which the imam reminds the congregation of the significance of the celebration and encourages Muslims to continue embodying the spirit of Ramadan, especially through acts of charity.
After prayers, Muslims gather with their families, friends and loved ones to share meals, give gifts, and celebrate in unity, making Eid Al-Fitr a day of both spiritual and social connection.
