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Islam

Eid al-Fitr

When is Eid al-Fitr in 2027, the festival that ends Ramadan: its meaning, the Eid prayer, the charity paid before it and how Muslims celebrate with family, food and gifts.

Next date

Tuesday, 9 March 2027

Begins at sunset the evening before.

Expected date; it may fall on 10 March if Ramadan lasts thirty days.

In brief

  1. I.Eid al-Fitr, “the festival of breaking the fast”, ends the month of Ramadan.
  2. II.It begins with a special prayer held in the morning in mosques and open spaces.
  3. III.Before the prayer every Muslim household gives zakat al-fitr, food or money for the poor.
  4. IV.It is a day of new clothes, visits, sweets and gifts for children.

Chapter I

What it celebrates

After a month of fasting, Eid al-Fitr is a day of thanksgiving to God for the strength to complete Ramadan. Islamic tradition says the Prophet Muhammad established two festivals for the community, this one and Eid al-Adha.

Fasting is forbidden on the day of Eid: it is a time to rejoice, to forgive and to share.

Chapter II

How it is kept

Families rise early, wash and put on new or best clothes. Before going to prayer they give zakat al-fitr, so that the poor too can celebrate. The Eid prayer is held after sunrise, often in large open grounds, followed by a sermon.

Then come visits to relatives and friends, the graves of loved ones, special dishes and sweets, and gifts or money for children.

Chapter III

Around the world

The festival has many names: Lebaran in Indonesia, where millions travel home, Bayram in Turkey and the Balkans, Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysia. Sweets are central everywhere, from the date-filled ma’amoul of the Levant to the vermicelli sheer khurma of South Asia.

Questions people ask

How long does Eid al-Fitr last?

The religious festival is one day, but many countries give three days of public holiday and families celebrate over several days.

What do people say on Eid?

“Eid Mubarak”, “blessed festival”, is the usual greeting in many languages.

Sources and further reading

  1. Toronto Metropolitan University, “2027 Calendar of Religious, Indigenous and Spiritual Observances”
  2. Khaleej Times, “Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha 2027: likely dates” (Emirates Astronomy Centre)
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Eid al-Fitr”

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