If some of you are observing Ramadan this year, you might be wondering if you need to ask your employer for this Monday off.
With the expected sighting of the waxing crescent moon by the end of March, nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide and the less than 1% of Rhode Islanders who are Muslim, according to the Pew Research Center, will celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
One celebration happens at the end of Ramadan: Eid al-Fitr. But what exactly happens on Eid, what date does it land on and are there any requirements that you or your loved ones need to follow?
Here’s what you need to know about the holiday many people call “Blessed Eid.”
When is Eid al-Fitr 2025?
Eid al-Fitr 2025 is expected to be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, with the sighting of the waxing crescent moon, according to Islamic Relief.
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Shawwal, the Islamic month that succeeds Ramadan, begins right at the sighting of the crescent moon, or “Shawwal moon.” The first day of Shawwal brings Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is the first of two celebratory days in the Islamic calendar, both observed every year. Though the holiday is marked on one day, some will celebrate this festival for as long as three days. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar.
Eid is not on the same date every year. Like Ramadan, it follows the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is on a lunar cycle. Each year, Ramadan and both Eid holidays fall about 11 days earlier than the year before because of the lunar cycle. The sighting of the crescent moon determines the start of these holidays.
How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
Muslims will wake up early in the morning, preparing food and getting ready to attend mandatory Eid prayers at local masjids. It may feel strange for Muslims to eat during daylight hours after a month of fasting between dawn and sunset, but it is actually forbidden for Muslims to fast on Eid al-Fitr.
On Eid, Muslims will follow the way of Prophet Muhammad, also known as “Sunnah” in Islam. Sunnah is not followed just on Eid, but every day. Specific Sunnahs on Eid include:
- Taking a bath or shower
- Wearing one’s best clothes and perfume
- Saying “Takbeer” or praising God on the way to Eid prayers
- Taking a different path home from attending Eid prayer
Eid traditions vary from country to country, but friends and families commonly gather and spend time together at each other’s homes, enjoying sweets and delicious food after Eid prayers in the morning. Children will receive gifts and money, also known as “Eidi.”
How do you wish someone a happy Eid?
Muslims will hug their friends and family and greet them with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “blessed festival” in Arabic.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
