The festival of Eid al-Fitr is a time of gratitude, joy and unity as Muslims all over the world come together to celebrate the end of Ramadan. This celebration marks the end of the month dedicated to fasting, reflection and spiritual growth. Eid al-Fitr 2025 in the UK will be celebrated with feasts, prayers and giving Zakat al-Fitr which is a charitable donation to support the needy.
With Eid al-Fitr approaching quickly, it’s vital to understand the importance and why it is celebrated. At Emaan Relief, we strive for everyone to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, even those who are in desperate need of basic necessities. Explore when Eid is and see how you can help those in need to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr began in Madinah, 624 EC by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It occurred in the second year after the Hijra was completed, which was the journey the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers took from Mecca to Medina. This festival of Eid al-Fitr was traditionally celebrated when the Muslims had completed their first month of Ramadan and fasting.
However, when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) arrived in Medina, he discovered that people celebrated this festivity on two days. After this, the Prophet declared two days of celebration Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Fitr translates to “the festival of breaking the fast” and it completes the month-long fast during Ramadan. This celebration has huge significance for Muslims in the UK and worldwide. It is a joyous occasion where families gather to celebrate the spiritual success that they have achieved in Ramadan.
After a month of abstinence and devotion to Allah (SWT), the festival lets Muslims enjoy themselves with blessings that they temporarily gave up in obedience to their faith. It is a well-earned celebration as Ramadan is a month of fasting in daylight hours, engaging in self-reflection and studying the Quran to deepen connections to Allah (SWT).
This joyous occasion symbolises that in Islam when you are patient and dedicated, you can earn immense rewards. Eid al-Fitr is a reward for completing the month of fasting in daylight hours. It represents the bliss of the afterlife if a Muslim is dutiful and pleases Allah (SWT) in this life.
The festival of Eid al-Fitr also symbolises the significance of remembering Allah (SWT). This is why the most important part of Eid is the Eid Salah which is a prayer in congregation with the Muslim community thanking Allah (SWT).
Eid is important due to its purpose of finishing the holy month of Ramadan. It is also a time to celebrate with family and loved ones, bringing Muslims together and their local community.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated because it’s a time to rejoice and express gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the strength and patience shown in the fasting month of Ramadan. Because fasting takes a lot of self-discipline and devotion, Eid is a period of rest and good tidings for believers.
The festival of Eid al-Fitr incorporates acts of worship, prayer and reflection as it serves as a reminder of Allah’s (SWT) mercy and generosity. Believers are encouraged to remember Allah (SWT) on all occasions as stated in a hadith:
“If anyone finds pleasure in receiving an answer from God in times of difficulty, he should make many supplications when times are easy” (Tirmidhi, Mishkat al-Masabih 2240]
Many wonder when is Eid al-Fitr 2025? Well, this is all dependent on the sighting of the moon. This is because the Islamic calendar is lunar, unlike the Gregorian calendar, so the sighting of the moon is imperative to determine the start of the festivities. However, Eid al-Fitr 2025 is expected to fall on or near the evening of 30th March or the 31st. This will vary on the moon and your location, so Muslims are encouraged to consult their local mosque to confirm what day Eid falls on in their region.
Eid al-Fitr 2025 in the UK will last for one day. The celebration takes place on the first day of Shawwal where Eid prayers occur, and fasting is forbidden. However, in many Muslim countries, celebrations can last for up to three days and these are typically public holidays.
For the festival of Eid al-Fitr, there are specific rituals that need to be observed to express gratitude to Allah (SWT). These rituals show Muslims what to do on Eid al-Fitr amongst celebrations and other activities. The rituals that must be completed are:
As well as these rituals, Muslims celebrate the day with family and loved ones, greeting each other with the phrase “Eid Mubarak” which translates to blessed Eid. They hug one another and create a sense of goodwill and unity. Throughout the day, Muslims will visit relatives and enjoy lots of delicious foods. As believers feast, they also exchange Eid gifts and money, particularly to children.
There are specific dua’s for Eid al-Fitr that believers recite on the day of celebration. When Muslims meet each other on the day they give each other the following dua:
“Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum.”
“May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you.”
Other encouraged words to be said on the festival of Eid al-Fitr are the words of Takbir or the glorification of Allah (SWT). The following words must be recited:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar la ilaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu Akbar, Allah Akbar, wa Lillah il-hamd.”
“Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest there is no god but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah be all praise.”
To celebrate Eid al-Fitr, it is tradition before the Eid prayer to pay Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana). This is a donation of money or food that will help to feed someone in need on Eid. The price of this donation is one ‘saa’ (3kg) of a common staple food in your country. Muslims can pay the monetary equivalent in their local currency which equates to around £6 of staple food supplies in the UK.
This amount applies to each person, including children, meaning a family of 4 is expected to pay around £24.
As Muslims await Eid al-Fitr 2025 in the UK and worldwide, it is imperative to partake in charitable activities, such as donating Zakat and Fitrana. At Emaan Relief, we can take Zakat contributions and Fitrana contributions and distribute essential supplies to those most in need. We ensure that every penny of your donation reaches the needy, helping to transform their lives for the better and help them escape poverty.
