When is Eid-al-Fitr 2023 - Meaning, Significance & How to Celebrate It

As the blessed month of Ramadan is about to end, Eid-al-Fitr is around the corner. Eid-al-Fitr is a time of celebration and gratitude for Muslims worldwide. It is a time to come together in celebration and to renew one's commitment to living a life of faith and devotion to Allah (SWT). Let’s look at what Eid-al-Fitr means to Muslims, its significance, and how Muslims celebrate it.

What is Eid-al-Fitr?

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims observe fasting from dawn till dusk. After a month of blessings and revival of the spiritual connection with Allah, Muslims come together to celebrate and express gratitude for observing Ramadan. It happens on the first day of Shawwal, the Islamic month that follows Ramadan after the moon sighting.

The word “Eid” in Islam means “annual festival.” Eid-al-Fitr is one of the two religious celebrations in the Islamic year. It is also known as the “festival of breaking the fast.” The eid festivities usually last for three days.

Fasting on the day of Eid is forbidden, and it is best to offer Fitrana before Eid so that the poor and needy can also prepare for the festival ahead of time. 

When Is Eid-al-Fitr in 2023?

The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr typically begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, which signals the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal (the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar). This year, Eid-al-Fitr is expected to take place on either Friday, Apr 21, 2023 or Saturday, Apr 22, 2023, depending on the moon.

Moon Sighting will take place on the evening of Thursday, Apr 20, 2023 (on the completion of the 29th fast). 

Significance of Eid-al-Fitr

Eid ul Fitr is a celebration of faith and devotion to Allah (SWT). Eid ul Fitr is a day of reward from Allah (SWT) for those who have fasted and observed Ramadan with sincerity and devotion. Muslims believe that Allah (SWT) grants forgiveness and mercy on this day and that good deeds are multiplied.

Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated a hadith from the Prophet (SAW) in which the Prophet (SAW) said: 

‘When the day of Eid-ul-Fitr [begins], the angels descend on earth, where they take their positions at access points of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by the whole creation of Allah, except men and Jin, “O Ummah of Muhammad (SAW)! Come out to your most Noble and Gracious Lord, who grants much, and pardons the major sins”. When they proceed to their places of prayer, Allah, Exalted is He, says to His angels, “ O My angels! What is the reward of a worker when he has done his work?” So they say, ”Our Lord and Our Master! To receive his reward [for the work, in full]“. So He says, ”I call you to witness that, for their fasts [during Ramadan], and for their standing in prayer at night, I have made their reward My Pleasure, and my Forgiveness. Depart [from here], you are forgiven”’. [Lataif al-Ma’arif]

The Sunnah Way to Celebrate Eid-al-Fitr

While there are local customs Muslims perform on Eid-al-Fitr, below mentioned is the Sunnah way of celebrating Eid-al-Fitr.

1. Pray on the Night of Eid

It is recommended to recite the Quran, offers prayer, and make dua on the eve of Eid-al-Fitr. The blessing of Eid-al-Fitr begins on the evening of Eid-al-Fitr. Collect them as much as possible while preparing for Eid day.

2. Prepare for the Eid Salah

Eid-al-Fitr is a time of celebration, so wear your best clothes, perform ghusl, and put on attar before going to the Eid prayer. Ibn ’Abbas narrated that:

“The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to have a bath on the day of Fitr.”  Ibn Majah

3. Eat Dates Before Prayer

It is a Sunnah to eat dates before going out to offer the Eid prayer. Narrated Anas bin Malik narrated that:

“Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of `Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to eat an odd number of dates.” Sahih al-Bukhari 953: Book 13, Hadith 5

4. Perform Eid Prayer

Reciting Takbeer is another Sunnah for both men and women. On the way to the masjid, Takbeer al-Eid should be recited softly. The Eid Takbeer is:

"اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ. وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ."  “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La Ilaaha Illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil Hamd”

Translation: “Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no god but Allah. And Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.”

Ibn Umar narrated: "Allah's Messenger, Abu Bakr, and Umar would pray during the two Eid before the Khutbah, then they would give the Khutbah." Jami` at-Tirmidhi 531: Book 5, Hadith 2

5. Use Different Routes to the Place of Prayer

You should take different routes to the place of prayer as it is Sunnah. Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:

“On the Day of `Id the Prophet (ﷺ) used to return (after offering the `Id prayer) through a way different from that by which he went.” Sahih al-Bukhari 986: Book 13, Hadith 35

6. Greet Each Other With Joy and Congratulations

Eid ul Fitr is a day when Muslims come together in celebration, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and unity. It is an occasion for family and friends to gather, exchange gifts, and share meals.

Eid ul Fitr is a time to renew one's spirituality and commitment to Islam. Muslims are reminded of the importance of living a life of faith and devotion to Allah (SWT) and of the many blessings of Islam. It is a day of great significance, marking the end of Ramadan and celebrating faith, unity, and compassion.