Muslims around the world gather on Eid Al Fitr to celebrate the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Due to lack of general knowledge regarding the holiday/tradition, there is confusion regarding this day. Most of the confusion doesn’t happen around Eid or what Muslims do to celebrate, but in why people celebrate Ramadan. 

     During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast, participate in communal prayers, and give to charity. These are three of the five pillars of Islam: Salah (prayer), Alms (charity), Sawm (fasting), Shahada (faith), and Hajj (pilgrimage). Ramadan is the holiest month because this is when the Quran, the Islamic holy book, was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (saw). Muslims fast from dawn to sunset to discipline themselves, cultivate God consciousness, and develop empathy for the less fortunate.

     When Muslims fast, it’s not just about not eating or not drinking water (and no, not even water). It’s about proving to oneself how much one’s body can actually handle and how strong you actually are. No matter how tempted they may be to take a sip of water, they don’t because when the sun sets, you fully feel the reward of fasting and how close to God you truly become. This is where Eid takes its place.

     Eid is a major celebration for Muslims after fasting for 30-31 days during Ramadan. For many, Eid symbolizes dedication and patience. Farhan Habib, a junior, feels that “Eid exemplifies the fruits of my perseverance, a reward for fasting the whole month of Ramadan, and a transitional period in my life where I take something new with me.”

     The holiday presents people with a fresh start – uniting them through a sense of happiness. Shadia Mia, a junior, believes that “Eid is more than just a holiday,” it’s a time that allows her to “slow down and appreciate everything” she has. It’s not just about celebrating, but also about giving back, caring for others.

     This highlights the reflection and unity Eid brings to a community. Eid al-Fitr holds great importance for Muslims, marking the end of Ramadan and the beginning of a new month with new habits. Eid is not just a celebration of fasting; it’s a chance to become a better person and cultivate gratitude. Eid will never just be the celebration of fasting and the month coming to an end. When Muslims prepare for the Eid prayer, and they look in the mirror they don’t see who entered Ramadan; they see so much growth and how much they persevered. This is why Muslims celebrate Eid and why it’s so cherished.