About Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", is one of the two great festivals of Islam, marking the end of Ramadan, the month of dawn-to-sunset fasting. Celebrated by some two billion Muslims worldwide, it begins on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, the moment the new crescent moon is sighted. It is a day of gratitude, charity and joyful reunion after a month of devotion.
The day starts with a special congregational Eid prayer, often held in large open grounds or mosques and followed by a sermon. Before the prayer, Muslims give Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation so that everyone can share in the celebration. Families then gather for festive meals, wear new clothes, exchange gifts and the greeting "Eid Mubarak", visit relatives and give money or sweets to children.
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Eid al-Fitr moves about eleven days earlier each year, and its exact date depends on the sighting of the moon, so it may vary by a day between countries. The countdown above tracks the next expected Eid — add Eid al-Fitr to your own countdown page and count down to the end of Ramadan.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Tuesday, March 9, 2027next |
| 2028 | Saturday, February 26, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, February 14, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, February 4, 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, January 24, 2031 |
FAQ
When is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, right after Ramadan, on a date set by the sighting of the new moon. The countdown above shows the time until the next one.
Why is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
It marks the end of Ramadan's month of fasting — a day of thanksgiving, charity and celebration for completing a period of spiritual reflection.
How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
With a morning congregational prayer, charitable giving, festive family meals, new clothes, gifts for children and the greeting "Eid Mubarak".
Why does the date of Eid change each year?
The Islamic calendar is lunar, about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian year, so Eid moves earlier annually and depends on local moon sightings.