EID AL-FITR

EID AL-FITR, one of the most important Muslim holidays. It begins on the 1st of the month of Shawwal (the 10th month of the Muslim Calendar) and lasts 3 to 4 days. It marks the end of the sawm, which is a 30‑day fast in the month of Ramadhan (the 9th month of the Muslim calendar), during which Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking and entertainment, etc. from sunrise to sunset. The sick, children under 7 years old, travelers, etc. are not obliged to comply with such abstinence. At dawn, Muslims visit mosques where they pray Namaz and listen to Khutbahs (Sermons) about the meaning of the holiday. Prior to the beginning of the festive worship service, believers give out alms, called Zakat alFitr. Since 1992, the first day of E.a.‑F. has been declared a holiday in the RB.