What to Know About the Muslim Holiday of Eid al-Fitr

Muslims across the globe marked the start Thursday of Eid al-Fitr, a three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan at sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins each year with the sighting of the new moon, indicating the end of a month of fasting and reflection. To start the holiday, many gather in large, open-air locations or in local mosques on the first morning for special prayers, the Salat al-Eid. People celebrate after the more reflective month of Ramadan.

Different cultures celebrate differently, including with large, open festivals, adorning arms with intricate henna tattoo designs, exchanging gifts or wearing festive clothing and jewelry.

New York City schools closed in observance of Eid al-Fitr, and President Obama released a statement extending holiday wishes to Muslims in America and elsewhere.

“As Muslims mark the end of the month, they are reminded that Ramadan is a time to reflect spiritually, build communally, and aid those in need,” he said. “While Eid marks the end of Ramadan, it marks a new beginning for each individual – a reason to celebrate and express gratitude on this holiday.”

See How Muslims Around the World Celebrate Eid al-Fitr

An Afghan boy attends Eid al-Fitr prayers in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, on July 17, 2015.

Sayed Mustafa—EPA

Muslim faithful take part in morning prayers to celebrate the first day of the Muslim holiday of Eid-al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, at the Eastleigh High School in Eastleigh, a suburb in Nairobi predominantly inhabited by Somali immigrants within Kenya's capital Nairobi, on July 17, 2015.

Boniface Mwangi—Reuters

Chinese Muslims of the Hui ethnic minority hold incense as they pray at the Imam's Tomb before the last Friday prayers of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the historic Niujie Mosque on July 17, 2015 in Beijing.

Kevin Frayer—Getty Images

A young Chinese Muslim of the Hui ethnic minority sits on a prayer rug as men stand and pray during the last Friday prayers of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the historic Niujie Mosque on July 17, 2015 in Beijing.

Kevin Frayer—Getty Images

An Indian Muslim devotee looks on before the start of Jummat-Ul-Vida prayers on the last Friday of the month of Ramadan ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday at Jama Masjid Mosque in the old quarters of New Delhi on July 17, 2015.

Chandan Khanna—AFP/Getty Images

Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers outside Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, on July 17, 2015.

Francois Nel—Getty Images

Syrian refugee children dressed in new clothes hold the hands of their grandmother while walking back to their shelter on the first day of the Eid al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at Zaatari refugee camp, in Mafraq, Jordan, on July 17, 2015.

Muhammed Muheisen—AP

A Nigerian Muslim family takes a selfie portrait before Eid al-Fitr prayer, marking the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Lagos, Nigeria, on July 17, 2015.

Sunday Alamba—AP

Indonesian muslims walk on 'sea of sands' as they prepare for Eid Al-Fitr prayer at Parangkusumo beach in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on July 17, 2015.

Ulet Ifansasti—Getty Images

A picture taken from the Abraj al-Bait Towers, also known as the Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower, shows Muslim worshipers praying at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, a day before the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, on July 16, 2015.

AFP/Getty Images

1 of 10

Advertisement

Write to Julia Zorthian at julia.zorthian@time.com.