Moon Sighting
When Is Eid Determined?
Eid al-Fitr begins on the first day of Shawwal, the month after Ramadan. The date is determined by sighting the new crescent moon (هلال — hilal) after the 29th day of Ramadan.
Physical Moon Sighting
The traditional method. Trusted witnesses observe the sky after sunset on the 29th of Ramadan. If the crescent is sighted, Eid is the next day. If not, Ramadan completes 30 days.
Astronomical Calculation
Modern method used by many Islamic organizations worldwide. Precise astronomical data predicts when the new moon will be visible, allowing dates to be set in advance.
Sources for March 20, 2026
Islamic Society of North America
North America's largest Islamic organization. Uses the Fiqh Council's astronomical calculation criteria.
European Council for Fatwa and Research
Primary Islamic authority for Muslims in Europe. Uses unified astronomical calculations for the continent.
Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs
Governs religious affairs for 85M+ Muslims in Turkey. Publishes Islamic calendar years in advance.
The Celebration
What Is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر — "Festival of Breaking the Fast") is one of the two major Islamic holidays, celebrated by nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide.
Eid Prayer
Muslims gather for a special communal prayer (Salat al-Eid) in the morning, typically held in large open spaces or mosques. It includes a sermon (khutbah) about gratitude and unity.
Zakat al-Fitr
A charitable contribution given before Eid prayer, ensuring that everyone in the community can celebrate. Typically the equivalent of one meal per family member.
Family & Community
Families gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, wear new clothes, and visit relatives and friends. Children often receive money or presents (Eidi). It's a day of joy, gratitude, and togetherness.
End of Ramadan
Eid marks the completion of Ramadan — a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, intensive prayer, Quran recitation, and spiritual reflection. Muslims celebrate having fulfilled this pillar of Islam.
The Last 10 Nights
تَحَرَّوْا لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ
"Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 2020
We are in the most blessed nights of the year. Laylat al-Qadr — the Night of Decree — is better than a thousand months. Every act of worship, every dua, every sadaqah during these nights carries immeasurable weight.
Make every night count.
Sadaqah Jariyah
While You Wait for Eid, Build Something That Lasts
Every $5 brick builds Muslim-owned digital infrastructure. Your name and dua go on the Founding Wall — permanently. The best sadaqah is during Ramadan.
Monthly Support
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Reserve your @ummah.email screen name. Get priority in the Eid Draft. Support Muslim digital infrastructure for $5.55/mo — sadaqah jariyah that builds every month.