Eid al-Fitr 2023: Date, History, Facts about Zakat

This year’s Eid al-Fitr, a festival widely observed by Muslims, will presumably occur on April 22. Based on the lunar calendar, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated after the conclusion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset; hence, it is also known as the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast.’ Many people celebrate the festival by paying visits to friends and family, exchanging gifts, and preparing foods and desserts that are emblematic of the occasion. In many South Asian countries, such as Pakistan and India, community elders give children monetary gifts known as ‘Eidi.’ In accordance with other religious customs, Muslims attend a special morning prayer on the day of Eid. At the conclusion of the prayer, all Muslims in the congregation, whether they are acquaintances or strangers, exchange Eid greetings by exchanging hugs.

The background of Eid al-Fitr

The date of Eid al-Fitr alters annually according to the Islamic calendar, which is based on lunar cycles. Every year, the day advances by a minimum of ten days, falling earlier and earlier. Most probable, this year’s Eid al-Fitr will fall on May 3. In any event, the occasion is celebrated for three days and is cherished worldwide by the Muslim community. After a month of abstinence and fasting, Muslims commemorate the festival with great pomp and circumstance. It is also the day when Muslims who can afford it must pay ‘Zakat,’ a form of charity. 2.5% of a Muslim household’s total net income is given to the less fortunate in society as zakat. ‘Fitrana’ is another form of charity provided during this time, and its purpose is to rectify any mistakes a person may have made accidentally while fasting.

Numerous nations observe Eid al-Fitr in accordance with their respective cultures and customs. In the Middle East, morning prayers are performed in a specially designated location known as a “Eid-gah.” Typically, Eid-gah is a vast vacant space. Eid morning prayers, unlike other Muslim prayers, do not have a special summons to prayer. In other nations, such as Malaysia and Pakistan, people pay visits to family and acquaintances while bringing gifts and speciality foods. On the morning of Eid, according to the traditions of these nations, special dishes such as pure khurma and sawaiyan are prepared. These desserts are composed of vermicelli, milk, sugar, and dried fruits. South Asians also refer to Eid al-Fitr as ‘choti’ Eid, which translates to’smaller Eid’. In Islam, there are two Eid holidays; Eid al-Adha is the “larger” of the two because it commemorates the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage with the sacrifice of animals such as sheep, goats, cows, and camels.

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5 ZAKAT FACTS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

Zakat, whose name derives from the Syriac Arabic word for ‘purification,’ is intended to ‘purify’ the possessions and soul of Muslims.

Zakat becomes obligatory for those who can afford it and are sufficiently affluent; they must give it to the less fortunate.

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam that every Muslim must always uphold.

The purpose of zakat is to eliminate socioeconomic inequality in communities.

After one year of holding a Nisaab amount of wealth, which is the minimum wealth threshold, Zakat becomes obligatory for Muslims.

EID AL-FITR DATES