/ About Eid Al Fitr

About Eid Al Fitr

About Eid-Al-Fitr

Eid-Al-Fitr or Eid is one of the most important and auspicious festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide on the first day of Shawwal month in the Islamic calendar, also known as Hijri. Eid-Al-Fitr is an Arabic term which means "festival of breaking the fast," as after fasting for a whole month known as Ramadan, they break their fast on the occasion of Eid. This holy festival has no exact date as the day is celebrated based on the new moon sightings in the Shawwal month. Eid-Ul-Fitr is also known as "Smaller Eid," as it is observed only for an entire day. The Eid-Al-Adha is called the "Greater Eid," as it is celebrated for four days.

When is Eid-Al-Fitr 2022?

The Islamic calendar is based on the different phases of the moon. Hence, Eid-Al-Fitr and other festivals are celebrated according to the moons sightings, and not according to the Gregorian calendar. So, this year Eid falls on the 1st of May and will continue till the 3rd of May evening. The special festival is celebrated on different dates across the world.

Date and Timings for Eid-Al-Fitr 2022 in UAE

This year the Eid-Al-Fitr 2022 is celebrated on the following given dates in the UAE:

Begining of Eid-Al-Fitr1st May, Sunday
Ending of Eid-Al-Fitr2nd May, Monday

Prayer Timings for Eid-Al-Fitr 2022 in UAE

Here are the Eid-Al-Fitr 2022 prayer timings for different cities in the UAE.

Cities Timings
Sharjah5:58 AM
Dubai5:59 AM
Abu Dhabi6:03 AM
Fujairah5:58 AM
Al Ain5:57 AM
Ajman5:58 AM
Ras Al Khaimah5:56 AM
Umm Al Quwain5:57 AM
Madinat Zayed6:01 AM

Significance of Eid-Al-Fitr

It is believed that Prophet Muhammad received the vision of the Holy Quran during the holy month of Ramzan, and this is why this auspicious festival is celebrated widely all over the world. This day signifies the end of month-long fasting from dawn to dusk. People celebrate this religious festival to show gratitude to the mighty Allah by fasting for the entire Ramadan month and going to the mosque to pray five times to ask for forgiveness. It is believed that God rewards those who pray and fast with complete dedication and faith during the holy Ramzan month.

Traditions of Eid-Al-Fitr

The Eid-Al-Fitr is the feasting day after fasting for 30 days during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting during this month means abstaining from food, beverages, and all basic needs. This will strengthen a person by building self-discipline and self-control, and they learn about being happy with minimal things. During Ramadan, people are also abstained from TV, movies, dancing, singing, and other entertainment forms as these are distractions from God. On the occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr, people break the fast. Muslims celebrate this sacred day of Eid-Al-Fitr by visiting the mosque to pray their offerings to Allah, and after that, the Eid celebrations begin. People wear new clothes on this particular day, and they visit their relatives to wish "Eid Mubarak" and give sweets and savory dishes. Gifting or donations is an essential aspect of the festival, and that is why it is also called the festival of giving. During this auspicious festival, people donate or gift a part of their income to needy people which is called Zakat. Hence, this festival is also known as "Zakat-Al-Fitr."

Eid-Al-Fitr Traditions Around the World

The holy Eid-Al-Fitr festival is celebrated in a number of ways in different parts of the world. Here are some of the countries where this festival in celebrated in unique ways:

Saudi Arabia – People in Saudi Arabia eat dates during the Suhoor time of Ramadan, which is a pre-dawn meal before the fast and also on Eid. They bake Kleichas, which is the national cookie of this country. It is a delicious cookie with rose flavor and nut fillings.

Yemen – In Yemen, during the Eid-Al-Fitr, people bake a sweet dish called the Bint Al Sahn, also called honey cake.

Afghanistan – One of the most fun traditions followed in Afghanistan during this holy festival is Tokhm-Jangi, where people color hard-boiled eggs with pretty hues and have a food fight with friends and family.

India – In India, people gather on the roof of their houses or open areas to spot the full moon the night before the Eid, also called Chandni Raat.

Turkey - In Turkey, this auspicious festival is also known as Seker Bayrami or the Holiday of Sweets. On this day, children go door to door to give their wishes and receive sweets.

Malaysia and Singapore – People in these countries follow the tradition of Balik Kampung, where they meet their relatives to ask for forgiveness. They also light oil lamps called Pelitas in their homes.

Eid-Al-Fitr Tentative Dates for the Next 5 Years

Given below are the expected dates of Eid-Al-Fitr in UAE for the next five years:

Year Dates
2023Friday, 21st April
2024Wednesday, 10th April
2025Monday, 31st March
2026Friday, 20th March
2027Tuesday, 9th March

Eid Ul Fitr