All about Eid Al Fitr – Prayer Timings and Celebrations

We are merely hours away from the end of Ramadan. As Muslims get ready to bid adieu to the holy month that has been filled with blessings and kindness, there is a sense of jubilation across the emirate. After all, at the end of the 30 days long period of fast and abstinence is Eid Al Fitr – a day of happiness and festivities. As fasting is no longer continued, the day is dedicated to a feast and a declaration of the greatness of Allah. Eid marks the first day of Shawwal, which comes after the holy month of Ramadan. Depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, Eid celebrations will begin either on Tuesday June 4 or Wednesday June 5.

What does Eid Al Fitr mean?

In Arabic, Eid al Fitr means ‘feast that breaks the fast’. It marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. On this day, people wish each other Happy Eid Mubarak and this greeting are translated as a blessed celebration. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world. Also it stands to be one of the most important dates on the Islamic Calendar.

Eid Al Fitr Prayers – Salat Al Eid

In Arabic, the Eid Al-Fitr prayers are called “Salat Al Eid”. On the day of Eid al-Fitr before sunrise, Muslims pray, bathe and put on their best clothes. A small breakfast that usually includes dates, is consumed before heading to a nearby mosque. While there’s no audible call to prayer for the Eid prayers, Muslims gather in a mosque or open space to offer “Rakaat”. After that, a sermon follows, which the imam asks for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for every being across the world. Following prayers in unison, feasting commences.

Eid Al Fitr Prayer Timings

Mosques in Abu Dhabi will hold the Eid Al Fitr prayers at 5.50am, while in Al Ain, the timing is 5.44am. In Madinat Zayed (Western region), Eid prayers will be held at 5.55am. Apart from these, prayers will be held 20 minutes after Shuruq in all other emirates.

The Eid prayer timings in different emirates are given below.

Abu Dhabi city: 5.50am
Al Ain: 5.44am
Madinat Zayed: 5.55am
Dubai: 5.45am
Sharjah: 5.45am
Ajman: 5.44am
Ras Al Khaimah: 5.41am
Umm Al Quwain: 5.43am
Fujairah: 5.41am

Eid al Fitr Celebrations

Muslims begin Eid celebrations by partaking in prayers, followed by a short sermon soon after dawn. The Eid prayers take place mostly in mosques, large halls and also in open fields. People congratulate one another as they head home after Eid prayers. They spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours and accepting sweets as they move around from house to house. This is preceded by Zakat or giving of alms to the poor, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. While the city is decorated with festive lights and carnivals are held to celebrate the joyous occasion, the splendid fireworks steal the show in the emirate.