Eid ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr is the first day in the month of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Hijiri calendar. This marks the end of Ramadhan and it is forbidden to fast on this day as the Prophet did:

Narrated Abu Sa`id:

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) forbade the fasting of `Id-ul-Fitr and `Id-ul-Adha (two feast days) and also the wearing of As-Samma' (a single garment covering the whole body), and sitting with one's leg drawn up while being wrapped in one garment. He also forbade the prayers after the Fajr (morning) and the `Asr (afternoon) prayers. Hadith 1991, 1992

Eid ul-Fitr means celebrating of the breaking of the fast as the word 'Fitr' comes from the root word of ف ط ر which is also the root for iftar (breaking of fast). On Eid Muslims are recommended to praise Allah as much as they can publicly as Allah commanded :

... وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

"...complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful." 2:185

Hence after maghrib prayer on the 1st of Shawwal it recommended to make takbiraats (saying of Allah is Greater) and before the Eid Prayer in the mosque and all public places. One may say,

"Allahu Akbar", or one may say

"Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa Lillahi’l-hamd

(Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god except Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allah)."

There are variations of the takbir of Eid but these are the two most common.

On the Day of Eid, one should take a bath before heading out for the Eid prayer and wear their best clothing. For the men, they should adorn themselves with perfume. All members of the family should attend the place of the prayer (including those who cannot pray). From the sunnah, the Eid prayer should be conducted outside in an open space such as a park or likewise. All muslims should glorify Allah as much as they can before the Imam comes out to lead the Eid Prayer. People can greet each other with 'Eid Mubarak' (Bless Eid) or 'Taqabal Allah minaa wa minkum' (May Allah accept it from us and you)

Eid falls on Friday 20th March 2026 in London UK, please check with your local Muslim authority for the 1st of Shawwal.

We ask Allah to accept our fasting, our prayers, our good deeds and keep our hearts firm on Islam.