Eid al-Fitr 2024: Discover its Interesting History and Facts

Eid al-Fitr 2024: People widely celebrate Eid al-Fitr and expect it to take place on April 10 this year. During Ramadan, Muslims observe a fast from sunrise to sunset and mark the end of the holy month with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which follows the lunar calendar. It is commonly referred to as the “Festival of Breaking Fast.”

Many individuals enjoy celebrating by showing appreciation for their loved ones, exchanging presents, and indulging in festive treats. Children in Pakistan and India receive ‘Eidi’ money from South Asian elders. Another Muslim custom is the morning prayer on Eid. Following the prayer, Muslims from all walks of life come together in the congregation to embrace and commemorate Eid.

Eid al-Fitr: History

Eid al-Fitr’s date varies annually due to the Islamic calendar’s reliance on lunar cycles. The day progresses by a minimum of ten days each year, gradually becoming earlier and earlier. Eid al-Fitr is expected to take place on May 3 this year. However, the Muslim community worldwide greatly cherishes this occasion and celebrates it for three days. After a month of abstaining and fasting, Muslims eagerly celebrate the festival. On this day, Muslims who are financially capable make an obligatory charitable contribution known as ‘Zakat’.

Zakat designates 2.5% of the aggregate net worth of a Muslim household, and it distributes it to those who are less fortunate in society. During this period, people engage in an additional form of charity called “Fitrana” to make amends for unintentional mistakes made while fasting.

Many countries celebrate Eid al-Fitr, each with its own unique traditions and practices. Every morning, people in the Middle East gather at a specific location to perform the ‘Eid-gah’ supplication. Usually, Eid-gah is a large space. Unlike other Muslim morning prayers, there is no specific call to prayer during Eid. In countries like Malaysia and Pakistan, people often visit their relatives and acquaintances while bringing along special culinary items and gifts.

South Asian culture commonly refers to Eid al-Fitr as “choti,” which means “smaller Eid.” Muslims celebrate two Eid festivals in Islam. The tradition of offering animals like sheep, goats, cows, and camels during Eid al-Adha, which is considered the more significant of the two, marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Martyrdom of Imam Ali 2024 (Iran): Exploring its history and FAQs

Eid al-Fitr: FAQs

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Observers are observing the final days of the Muslim sacred month of fasting, Ramadan. People celebrate Eid al-Fitr during the first three days of Shawwal, which is the tenth month on the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on April 22, 2023. It also varies based on the particular country where Ramadan started. As a result, some countries may choose to celebrate the event on either April 22 or April 23.

What happens during Eid al-Fitr?

Usually, people wear new shoes and clothes to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. They also enjoy a special supper at the end of the day and spend time with family and friends. Furthermore, women participate in the festivities by adorning their feet and hands with henna or mehndi.

What is the significance of Eid al-Fitr?

Many people widely believe that the Prophet Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran during the sacred month of Ramadan. In addition, Eid al-Fitr is a joyous celebration that unites individuals and pays tribute to the noble principles of Islam.

Five Zakat Facts

The purpose of zakat is to purify the souls and possessions of Muslims. Syriac Arabic derives it and carries the meaning of purification.
It is important for those who have the means to contribute to Zakat and help those who are less fortunate.
It is essential for followers of Islam to always uphold Zakat, as it is a fundamental aspect of the religion.
The purpose of zakat is to address the socioeconomic disparities that exist within communities.
The Nisaab requires Muslims who have accumulated a certain amount of wealth to pay Zakat for one year.