Eid al-Fitr is the Islamic celebration that marks the end of Ramadan.
The festival begins on the first day of Shawwal, the month after Ramadan, when the new lunar month is confirmed. Muslims gather for a special congregational prayer, wear festive clothing, visit family and friends, and share meals. The date moves through the solar calendar because Islamic months follow the lunar calendar.
Before the Eid prayer, Muslims commonly give zakat al-fitr, also called fitrah. This required charitable contribution is intended to help needy people participate in the celebration. It is distinct from the regular annual zakat assessed on qualifying wealth.
Eid al-Fitr is different from Eid al-Adha, which occurs during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah and is connected with the hajj season. Both are major Islamic festivals, but only Eid al-Fitr directly follows Ramadan’s month-long fasting period.