20/10/2025
THE TRUE HISTORY OF EID AL-FITR: ORIGINS OF THE SMALL EID
Eid al-Fitr, popularly known as the “Small Eid,” is one of the two major festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world. It marks the end of Ramadan the sacred month of fasting and the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. For Muslims, Eid al-Fitr is more than a festive day; it is a spiritual celebration of gratitude, unity, and renewal of faith. Its history, deeply rooted in the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), reflects Islam’s emphasis on mercy and community.
The origin of Eid al-Fitr can be traced to the second year after the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina, around 624 CE. This was the same year fasting during Ramadan was made obligatory. According to authentic Hadith recorded in Sunan Abu Dawud, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived in Medina, he found the people celebrating two traditional festivals from their pre-Islamic era. The Prophet then said:
> “Allah has given you two days better than these — the Day of al-Fitr and the Day of al-Adha.”
(Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 1134)
With this declaration, Islam introduced two new festivals of divine origin, both centered on worship, reflection, and gratitude rather than worldly amusement. Eid al-Fitr was thus established as a day to celebrate the successful completion of Ramadan and to thank Allah for His mercy and strength.
The first Eid al-Fitr prayer was held in the outskirts of Medina after the sighting of the new moon. On that morning, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led his companions in a special congregational prayer known as Salat al-Eid. He instructed Muslims to eat something, preferably dates, before going to the prayer ground a symbolic act showing the end of fasting. Before the prayer, the Prophet also introduced Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity that every Muslim must give before the Eid prayer. This ensures that even the less privileged can share in the happiness of the
