Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with several important traditions and practices:

• Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid): A special congregational prayer performed in the morning after sunrise. It consists of two units (rakats) with additional takbeers (saying "Allahu Akbar").
• Zakat al-Fitr: A charitable donation that must be given before the Eid prayer, ensuring everyone can enjoy the festivities.
• Takbeer: Reciting "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil hamd" from sunset on the last day of Ramadan until the Eid prayer.
• New Clothes: Many Muslims wear their best or new clothes for the occasion.
• Festive Meals: Special dishes are prepared and shared with family, friends, and those in need.
• Visiting Family & Friends: Strengthening bonds by visiting relatives and friends, exchanging gifts and greetings.
• Eid Greeting: Saying "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) or "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" (May Allah accept from us and from you).

Fasting six days during the month of Shawwal (the month after Ramadan) carries special significance and rewards. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the entire year." (Sahih Muslim)

This is because Allah rewards each good deed with ten times its value. So the 30 days of Ramadan are equivalent to 300 days, and the six days of Shawwal are equivalent to 60 days, totaling 360 days - approximately a full lunar year.

These six days can be fasted consecutively or separately throughout the month of Shawwal. However, it's important to note that you cannot fast on the day of Eid al-Fitr itself, as fasting on this day is prohibited.

Laylatul Qadr, or the Night of Power, is considered the holiest night in the Islamic calendar. It is the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. According to the Quran, worship on this night is better than worship for a thousand months.

While the exact date is not specified, it is widely believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of Ramadan (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night). Many scholars particularly emphasize the 27th night, though we are encouraged to seek it throughout the last ten days.

"The Night of Power is better than a thousand months." (Quran 97:3)

The last ten days of Ramadan are especially sacred. Here are recommended acts of worship:

• I'tikaf (Spiritual Retreat): Staying in the mosque for worship and reflection
• Increased Quranic Recitation: Reading and reflecting on the Quran
• Tahajjud Prayer: Performing extra night prayers
• Dua (Supplication): Especially the dua: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni" (O Allah, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me)
• Charity: Increasing charitable acts and donations
• Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Engaging in constant remembrance

Ramadan ends with the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal.

The moon sighting can be determined in several ways:

• Following the announcement from your local mosque or Islamic center
• Following the announcement from a national Islamic authority in your country
• Some communities follow the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia

It's important to follow the guidance of your local Islamic leadership regarding when to end Ramadan and celebrate Eid.

Zakat al-Fitr (also called Fitrana or Sadaqah al-Fitr) is a charitable donation that every Muslim is required to pay before Eid al-Fitr prayer. It is meant to purify the fasting person from any shortcomings during Ramadan and to help the poor celebrate Eid.

Amount: Typically the value of one meal or approximately 2.5kg of staple food per person in the household.

Timing: It should be paid before the Eid prayer. While it can be paid any time during Ramadan, it is best to pay it during the last few days of Ramadan to ensure it reaches the needy before Eid.

Recipients: It should be given to those in need, particularly in your local community.

Here are the main Sunnahs (traditions) for Eid al-Fitr:

• Taking a bath (ghusl) before going to the Eid prayer
• Wearing your best or new clothes
• Eating something sweet, preferably dates, before leaving for Eid prayer
• Going to the prayer ground using one route and returning using another
• Reciting the Takbeer ("Allahu Akbar") on the way to prayer
• Giving charity and exchanging gifts
• Visiting family and friends
• Expressing joy and gratitude

If you missed fasts during Ramadan due to valid reasons (such as illness, travel, menstruation, pregnancy, or breastfeeding), you should make them up as follows:

• Qada (Makeup Fasts): For temporary conditions like illness, travel, or menstruation, you should make up the missed fasts day-for-day before the next Ramadan.
• Fidya (Compensation): For those who cannot fast due to permanent or long-term conditions (like chronic illness or old age), they should feed a poor person for each day missed.

It's recommended to make up missed fasts as soon as possible after Ramadan, though they can be completed any time before the next Ramadan. If you haven't made up missed fasts from a previous Ramadan before the next one begins, you should still make them up and additionally pay fidya for the delay.

Maintaining the spiritual benefits of Ramadan is important. Here are some ways to continue your spiritual journey:

• Six Days of Shawwal: Fast six days during the month of Shawwal (the month after Ramadan). The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the entire year."
• Regular Voluntary Fasts: Continue fasting on Mondays and Thursdays or the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each Islamic month (Ayyam al-Beed).
• Maintain Quran Recitation: Set a daily goal for Quran reading.
• Preserve Night Prayers: Try to pray Tahajjud (night prayer) at least once a week.
• Continue Charity: Keep giving regularly, even if small amounts.
• Join Islamic Study Circles: Engage with your local community for continuous learning.
• Self-Reflection: Maintain the habit of self-accountability that Ramadan instills.