Eid Al-Fitr 2025: Celebrations, Prayers, And Traditions

DUBAI – Eid al-Fitr prayer is a special Islamic prayer offered on the morning of the first day of Eid, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This prayer is performed in congregation, usually in open fields, mosques, or large gathering areas. Before attending the prayer, Muslims must give Fitrana, a form of charity that ensures the less fortunate can also celebrate the festival. It is Sunnah to take a different route when returning from the prayer and to greet fellow Muslims with “Eid Mubarak.”

Meanwhile, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai announced its readiness to receive 35,000 worshippers during the Eid al-Fitr prayer for the year 1446 AH – 2025, at designated prayer grounds across the outskirts of Dubai. Three main sites have been designated to accommodate worshippers based on the capacity of each location: the Al Quoz prayer ground can hold more than 10,000 worshippers, the Muhaisnah prayer ground can accommodate between 7,000 to 10,000 worshippers, and the Jebel Ali prayer ground can welcome around 15,000 worshippers. Dubai also offers numerous mosques for Eid prayers, each with its unique architectural beauty and spiritual significance.

In Dubai, the Eid prayer is expected to take place 20–25 minutes after sunrise, around 6:12 am to 6:20 am. However, the official prayer time will be announced by the relevant authority in the coming days. Eid al-Fitr is expected to take place on March 30 in the UAE, although a final announcement will be made by the moon sighting committee.

Eid al-Fitr holds special significance as it marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month devoted to spiritual growth, prayer, fasting, charity, and community. The holiday, also known as the Festival of Opening the Fast, is the first of the two official celebrations in the Islamic calendar, the other being Eid al-Adha. The date of Eid changes each year due to the lunar calendar being around 10 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. For 2025, Eid is expected to start on Sunday, March 30, though the exact date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.

The day begins with Muslims waking early to attend special congregational prayers at mosques or open spaces like parks. Before these prayers, and ideally during Ramadan, Muslims give Zakah/Sadaqah al-Fitr (purification for the fasts), a form of charity that helps ensure everyone can join in the celebrations. Celebrations continue with family gatherings where people dress in their finest clothes, exchange gifts, often money for children and close relatives, and share delicious meals.

Following Eid day, many Muslims also undertake six optional fasts during the remainder of Shawwal, continuing their spiritual practice. Imam Mohammed Laher, DMU’s Imam and Muslim Chaplain, expressed his wishes for the community, stating: “Eid Mubarak to our DMU community. I want to thank everyone who supported Muslim students and staff during the month of Ramadan. As we celebrate Eid, may it bring you joy and peace.”

As the holiday approaches, many communities prepare for the celebrations. In Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, many people embark on an exodus to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. In 2024, an estimated 193.6 million travelers crisscrossed the vast archipelago for Eid, following the homecoming tradition known as “mudik.” In the past three years of Eid celebrations, Indonesians have crammed into trains, ferries, buses, and onto motorcycles as they poured out of major cities amid severe traffic congestion to return to their villages.

In Malaysia, Muslims also have a homecoming tradition for Eid. The first day usually begins with a morning prayer in the mosque, seeking forgiveness from family and friends, and visiting loved ones’ graves. There’s an “open house” spirit that sees friends and families trading visits to celebrate Eid and enjoy traditional delicacies such as ketupat, rice cooked in a palm leaf pouch, and rendang, a meat dish stewed in spices and braised in coconut milk. Older Muslims give money in green packets to children and guests who visit their homes.

In Egypt, families partake in Eid prayers amid a festive atmosphere. Many visit relatives, friends, or neighbors, and some travel to vacation spots. Children, usually wearing new Eid outfits, receive traditional cash gifts known as “eidiya.” Making or buying Eid cookies dusted with powdered sugar is another fixture of marking the holiday in the country.

In the United States, where Muslims make up an ethnically and racially diverse minority, many come together for Eid prayers and for festivals featuring fun activities for children and families, including face painting and balloon twisting.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in the Philippines also observes Eid al-Fitr on April 1, 2025, and will temporarily suspend operations in all its offices and service centers nationwide on that date. Appointments set for that day will be accommodated upon resumption of operations on April 2.

Eid Mubarak! As communities around the world prepare for this joyous occasion, the spirit of unity, charity, and celebration continues to shine through, reminding everyone of the importance of togetherness and gratitude.