On the evening of 23 may, the Shawwal crescent was seen in the Tumir region of Saudi Arabia. Eid-ul-Fitr 23 may 2020 opened on Saturday, 23 May in areas used to view Saudi as Eid date.

For countries that do not follow the Saudi date, Eid al-Fitr will take place on Wednesday, Saturday, 23 May 2020

Traditions of Eid al-Fitr

Fasting in the month of Holy Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that the recitation of the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad within the month of Ramadan.

Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr with Arabic prayer “Salat al-Eid”. Namaz does not have the courage to offer Eid prayers. Muslims congregate in mosques or public places and offer two units of prayer – this is called “rakat”. Prayers are followed by a sermon in which the Imam seeks forgiveness, mercy and peace for every person in the world.

Other highlights of the Eid celebration include giving money to the poor (known as ‘Zakat al-Fitr’, the amount owed to anyone), sending greetings of Eid and having dinner with families.

For many Muslims, Eid al-Fitr is a festival of gratitude for the help and strength of Allah, who helped them practice self-control throughout the month of Ramadan.

The phrase “Eid Mubarak” is the Arabic word for “blessed festival” used by Muslims today as a greeting. Eid Mubarak’s correct response is “Khair Mubarak”, wishing you good for the man who greeted you.

Eid al-Fitr is known as the ‘Feature of the Lesser Bairam’, a holiday for the Ottoman word Bairam. It may seem strange to use the word for this widely celebrated festival because of the ‘Greater Bairam’ Eid al-Adha, the other great Islamic festival, both of which are considered sacred.