Which Islamic festival marks the end of the annual Ramadan fast?

Eid al-Fitr is the Islamic festival that marks the end of the annual Ramadan fast.

It begins on the first day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan. Because Islamic months are lunar, the festival moves through the solar calendar over time and begins according to local or community methods of determining the new moon.

Before the Eid prayer, Muslims commonly give Zakat al-Fitr, also called Sadaqat al-Fitr. This required charitable contribution is intended to help those in need participate in the celebration. Communities also gather for a special congregational prayer, visit relatives, and share festive meals.

Eid al-Fitr is different from Eid al-Adha, which occurs during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah and coincides with the season of the hajj pilgrimage. The two festivals are the principal Islamic celebrations, but they commemorate different religious contexts.