Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the tenth Islamic Month (Shawwal) following Ramadan, the month of fasting. It marks great thanks-giving for the Muslims all over the world.

For Muslims, Eid is a joyful celebration of the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory, greet and embrace each other in a spirit of peace, attend congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity. Muslims dress in beautiful attire and visit friends and relatives.

Allah (SWT) has once again bestowed on us the blessings of Eid, an occasion to increase our good deeds. Each Eid marks the conclusion of an important period of worship, and the determination to continue in obedience and submission to Allah (SWT). In moments of extreme pleasure or sadness, a Muslim never forgets his Creator’s Greatness, Might, Glory, and Watchfulness.

On this occasion we also spare a thought for the less fortunate ones who, due to poverty and deprivation, are condemned to a life of misery and sufferings. A true joy can be felt only when it is widely and genuinely shared with many.

Taking women and children to the prayer area: The presence of all Muslims, women and children included is strongly recommended.

Narrated Um 'Atiya: "We used to be ordered to come out on the Day of 'Id and even bring out the virgin girls from their houses and menstruating women so that they might stand behind the men and say Takbir along with them and invoke Allah along with them and hope for the blessings of that day and for purification from sins."[Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2 (Eid Holiday ), Hadith no. 88]

Narrated Muhammad: Um 'Atiyya (ra) said: "Our Prophet ordered us to come out (on 'Id day) with the mature girls and the virgins staying in seclusion." Hafsa narrated the above mentioned Hadith and added, "The mature girls or virgins staying in seclusion but the menstruating women had to keep away from the Musalla." [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2 (Eid Holiday ), Hadith no. 91]

Going to the prayer area: The Prophet, used to go to the prayer area by walking.

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah (ra): "On the Day of 'Id the Prophet used to return (after offering the 'Id prayer) through a way different from that by which he went."[Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2 (Eid Holiday ), Hadith no. 102]

Eating before going to the prayer area: Since Eid ul-Fitr is the day on which Muslims break their Ramadhan fast, it is preferable to eat before going to the Eid prayer. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet to eat an odd number of dates before going to Eid prayer. Anas bin Malik (ra) reported: "The Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, would not go out on the day of Eid al-Fitr without eating an odd number of dates."[Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2 (Eid Holiday 'Id ul-Fitr), Hadith no. 73]

Preparation for Eid prayer: It is preferred to make Ghusl (take a bath), wear one's best clothes and, for men, to put perfume before going to Eid prayer.

Making Takbeer: Takbeer starts from the night of Eid's eve. The form of takbeer is: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La illaha illallahu. wallahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-hamd."

How to perform Eid Prayer: Since this prayer comes only once a year, there is often confusion about how to perform this prayer. Click Here to know...

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah's Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

On this day of Eid, we wish you all “Eid Mubarak”, and that with love and respect, unity and brotherhood, May Allah bless all of us and may the lessons we have learn't in the month of Ramadhan permeate our hearts and limbs and spread to the wider community so that we may all succeed in putting Allah first in our lives. Aameen