Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Celebrations Unite Muslims Worldwide

Eid-ul-Fitr, a time of unity and gratitude, concludes Ramadan with prayer, charity, feasting, and gift-giving. The Muslims celebrate with joy, strengthening bonds and reflecting on values like patience and compassion.

For millions of Muslims worldwide, Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 is anticipated to be a time of joy and rebirth. It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival begins with the sighting of the new moon, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal. Depending on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, Eid-Ul-Fitr in India in 2024 is expected to be April 10 or April 11.

The festival includes the special Eid prayer, known as Salat al-Eid, performed in congregation at mosques or open prayer grounds. The prayer symbolizes unity and brotherhood among Muslims as they gather to worship and seek blessings for the upcoming year. Following the prayer, Muslims warmly embrace and exchange wishes of “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid.”

During Eid-ul-Fitr, giving Zakat al-Fitr charity becomes obligatory for Muslims who can afford it. This charity, given typically in the form of food or money, is meant to ensure that everyone in the community can partake in the festivities and enjoy a hearty meal on Eid day. The tradition of feasting and sharing meals with family and friends on Eid holds great importance.

Special dishes and delicacies are prepared for this occasion. Sweet treats like dates, baklava, and sheer khurma mark the Eid-ul-Fitr feasting. Families come together around dining tables to relish these meals, strengthening bonds within kinship and friendships.

Besides rituals and festivities, Eid-ul-Fitr carries spiritual significance for Muslims. It’s a time to reflect on the lessons learned during Ramadan such as patience, compassion, and gratitude, and to embody these values in the year ahead. The celebration emphasizes community and solidarity, uniting Muslims in their shared faith and heritage.