What is Eid al-Fitr? Muslim holiday, end of Ramadan explained

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is almost over, which means that Eid al-Fitr is coming soon.

Millions of Muslims around the world every year observe Ramadan, a period of prayer, reflection and abstinence that coincides with the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

At the end of that month – during which Muslims do not eat or drink at all during the daylight hours – they get to break their fast and celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

Eid al-Fitr is one of two Eid holidays that Muslims celebrate each year. The other, Eid al-Adha, coincides with the end of the sacred Hajj pilgrimage season.

The exact timing of Eid al-Fitr depends on the sight of the moon. Many Muslims follow guidance set by officials in Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

What is Eid?

Eid al-Fitr is an annual Muslim holiday to commemorate the end of Ramadan and the breaking of the fast.

The day is marked by a large morning prayer service, which many Muslims dress up for. Afterwards, people gather and visit each other, celebrating with food, gifts or other special activities.

Muslims are also expected to give zakat, or almsgiving to those in need, on Eid, according to Harvard University.

When is Eid 2026?

Eid al-Fitr is expected to be on March 19 or 20 this year.

Because the Islamic Calendar follows a lunar cycle, exact dates can change slightly depending on moon sightings.

Many Muslims follow guidance set by moon sighting committees in Middle Eastern countries.

In Saudi Arabia, officials have called for a moon sighting on Wednesday, March 18, according to local news outlets. If the Shawwal moon, or crescent moon, is spotted that night, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated the following day.

When is Ramadan?

The timing of Ramadan, which affects the timing of Eid, also depends on the sighting of the moon.

In Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, officials declared the start of Ramadan to be Feb. 18 this year.

In other countries, like Oman, Turkey and Singapore, officials declared the start of Ramadan to be Feb. 19 this year.

What does Eid Mubarak mean?

On Eid day, Muslims celebrate with the greeting, "Eid Mubarak."

"Mubarak" is an Arabic word meaning "blessing," so saying "Eid Mubarak" is wishing someone well.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at [email protected].