As the last festival of Ramadan, the month of fasting in the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Saudi Arabia.
This year Eid Al-Fitr will held on 21st April 2023 in Saudi Arabia.
In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr usually occurs on the first day of Shawwal, which is the tenth month, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
Eid Al-Fitr, also known as Eid al-Fitr or simply Eid, is a significant religious festival celebrated by Muslims all around the world.
The word “Eid” means “celebration” or “festival” in Arabic, and “Fitr” means “breaking the fast“.
Hence, Eid al-Fitr is a time of rejoicing and feasting after the month-long fasting period of Ramadan.
Eid Public Holiday 2023
Eid al-Fitr 2023 is a main public holiday in Saudi Arabia.
For this year’s Eid Al-Fitr, people can look forward to a long holiday excluding Friday and Saturday, starting 23rd to 27th of April 2023, for celebration of Eid Al-Fitr.
So it implies, the holiday will starts with the end of working day on Thursday (20-April-2023) and employees will join the work from next Thursday (27-April-2023).
The days of Eid, however, must be determined by a committee made up of religious scholars, astronomers, and other authorities as part of a moon-sighting exercise at night.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one, two, or three days, depending on the country and region.
Prayer of Eid Al-Fitr
To mark the end of Ramadan, Muslims in Saudi Arabia offer the Eid al-Fitr prayer on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
The celebrations start with a special prayer, known as Salatul Eid, which is performed in an open field or a large hall, attended by a large number of Muslims.
Usually, mosques or large outdoor spaces are used to conduct the prayer in congregation.
An Imam or someone qualified to lead the prayer generally leads the prayer in two rak’ahs (units of prayer). Prayer is followed by a sermon, or khutbah.
The prayer is led by an Imam or a religious leader, who delivers a sermon on the importance of the festival and the virtues of Ramadan.
Timings of Prayers in Saudi Arabia
| Cities | Fajar | Sun Rise | Eid Al-fitr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | 4:04 AM | 5:26 AM | 5:41 AM |
| Madinah | 4:33 AM | 5:54 AM | 6:09 AM |
| Jeddah | 4:40 AM | 5:59 AM | 6:14 AM |
| Makkah | 4:38 AM | 5:57 AM | 6:12 AM |
| Dammam | 3:47 AM | 5:10 AM | 5:25 AM |
| Buraidah | 4:12 AM | 5:35 AM | 5:50 AM |
| Tabuk | 4:37 AM | 6:02 AM | 6:17 AM |
| Jizan | 4:34 AM | 5:50 AM | 6:05 AM |
| Abha | 4:32 AM | 5:49 AM | 6:04 AM |
| Khobar | 3:47 AM | 5:10 AM | 5:25 AM |
| Jubail | 3:48 AM | 5:12 AM | 5:27 AM |
| Hasa | 3:51 AM | 5:14 AM | 5:29 AM |
The Eid prayer in Saudi Arabia follows a specific format, which is as follows
Takbeerat
The prayer begins with the recitation of Takbeerat, which is the declaration of the greatness of Allah.
Takbeer E-Tashreeq (tashriq) is a special Takbeerat offer in Eid Prayer.
The Imam and the congregation say Takbeerat (Allah is the greatest) in unison seven times.
Muslims raise their hands loudly during the prayer when they recite Takbeerat
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ. وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ.
Takbeer E-Tashreeq
“Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no god but Allah. And Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.”
Following the takbir, they also recite several Quranic verses and supplications.
Takbir is not uniform because they Takbir individually rather than in congregation.
The goal is for as many individuals as possible to hear the call to prayer.
Dua
After the Takbeerat, the Imam recites a supplication or dua, seeking Allah’s blessings and mercy for the Muslim community.
Khutbah
Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) came out on the day of Fitr or Adha and delivered a khutbah standing, then he sat for a while, then he stood up.”
The Imam delivers a sermon (Khutbah), which is a part of the prayer.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ
Surah Ali ‘Imran – 102
“You who believe, be mindful of God, as is His due, and make sure you devote yourselves to Him, to your dying moment
The Khutbah usually focuses on the significance of Eid Al-fitr.
Its message of unity and brotherhood, and the importance of charity and good deeds.
Rak’ahs
The prayer consists of two Rakat, or units of prayer, with each Rakat containing several steps,
- Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha
- Other verses from the Quran
and then bowing and prostrating in submission to Allah.
Takbeeratul Ihram
The prayer concludes with the recitation of Takbeeratul Ihram,
A declaration of Allah’s greatness, followed by the Imam and the congregation saying
” السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته “
peace be upon you to each other.
Muslims greet each other after the prayer and the sermon, do handshakes, exchange hugs, and usually say “Eid Mubarak” to each other.
The prayer of Eid in Saudi Arabia is a joyous occasion that brings Muslims together to celebrate the end of Ramadan and the beginning of a new month, as well as to strengthen their bond with Allah and their fellow believers.
Zakat Al-Fitr
During Ramadan, Zakat is necessary part.
Before Eid Prayer, Zakat which is also known as Sadaqat al-Fitr, the “Charity of Breaking the Fast,” and Zakat al-Fitrah the Alms of Human Nature, or the Human Creation, is a mandatory charity due to every Muslim.
During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims give Zakat al-Fitr before prayer, a form of charity given to most needy person.
Any Muslim who has food in excess of their needs must pay Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana).
The Prophet, صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم, specifically called the Ramadan Fast-Breaking Alms “Zakat”.
As described in Quran
وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ ۚ
Surat al-Baqarah, 2:110
And duly establish the Salah-Prayer and give the Zakat-Charity
Two primary purposes of Zakat al-Fitr exist: spiritually, and communally.
Zakat al-Fitr is a universal Muslim obligation.
That is, every Muslim is liable for its payment.
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat ul Fitr [Fitrana] to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.”
Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah
Many families engage in charitable activities during Eid day, such as donating money or food to those in need.
Eid Al-Fitr among family
Eid al-Fitr is a special occasion for families in Saudi Arabia, and it is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
Here are some typical traditions and activities that families might engage in during Eid al-Fitr.
Dressing up
On the day of Eid, family members wear new or traditional clothes, and children often receive new outfits as gifts.
Women may also adorn their hands with henna designs.
Women mostly prefer dressing such as
- Abaya & Headscarf
- Anarkali Suits
- Full-length Kaftan dress
- Palazzo and Kurti
While Men prefer dress during Eid such as
- Ankle-length garment of wool or cotton known as a Thawb with Ghutra (white and red checkered cotton cloth),
- loose and stylish Kurta and Pajama, Bisht Al-Barqa is also one of the most prominent traditional men’s dress.
Prayer
Family members attend the Eid prayer together, either at a mosque or an open field.
After the prayer, they greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” and exchange hugs and kisses.
Breakfast
Families gather for a special Eid breakfast, which usually includes sweet dishes like
- Debyazah
- Sevia
- Aseeda
- Baklava
- Eid biscuits
- Shereyya (sweetened noodles)
- Maamoul (a stuffed pastry)
- Jereesh
- Ghuraibah biscuits
- pancakes
- and other traditional foods.
From savories to sweets, tables across Saudi Arabia will be spread with lavish meals for friends and family.
Gift-giving
Families exchange gifts and sweets, especially among children.
It is common to give money, toys, or clothing as Eid gifts.
A token of love and affection is also given to children in the form of money or sweets.
They celebrate the occasion with this mostly distribution of gifts, Chocolates or sweets, especially to children and bring them while visiting to their relatives.
Visiting relatives
Family members visit each other’s homes throughout the day to share food and greetings.
They mostly arrange a huge family dinner a way of celebrating Eid.
They may also visit the graves of deceased relatives to pay their respects.
Festive activities
Families may also engage in recreational activities, such as going to amusement parks or shopping malls, watching movies, or playing games together.
There a lot of places in Saudia Arabia to visit during Eid Holidays.
Markets and malls in Eid Al-Fitr in KSA
During Eid al-Fitr, there is a lot of activity at markets and malls in Saudi Arabia, as people buy gifts, clothes, and decorations.
Here are some of the typical features of markets and malls during Eid al-Fitr in KSA:
Decorations
During the holiday season, malls and markets are often decked out with colorful lights, banners, and other festive decorations.
Discounts
To attract shoppers, many stores offer discounts and special promotions during Eid al-Fitr.
Events
A lot of special events mostly occur during Eid Holidays.
Events may occur in malls, Markets or in any public places
So, family can visit and get amused.
Traditional clothing
There is a wide assortment of traditional clothing, such as thobes, abayas, and hijabs, as well as modern styles of clothing.
Gift shops
Eid-themed gifts such as chocolates, perfumes, and jewelry are available at specialized gift shops, as well as toys and other products for children.
Entertainment
There may also be entertainment activities available at malls and markets, including live music, traditional dance performances, and games and activities for children.
Crowded and busy:
During Eid al-Fitr, markets and malls can be very crowded, with long lines and long wait times for shopping and dining.
Therefore, it’s advisable to plan ahead and be patient.
Muslims together to celebrate the end of Ramadan and the beginning of a new month, as well as to strengthen their bond with Allah and their fellow believers.
People in Saudi Arabia wear their best clothes and exchange greetings and gifts during Eid al-Fitr.
Also check our guide on Eid-ul-Adha to explore its importance and how Saudian celebrate this occasion.
Conclusion
Eid al-Fitr is a time of joy, unity, and gratitude for Muslims worldwide. It is a time to express gratitude to Allah for His blessings, seek forgiveness for sins, and renew one’s commitment to faith and worship. Eid al-Fitr is a time for families to come together, celebrate, and strengthen their bonds. markets and malls are an integral part of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Saudi Arabia, and offer a vibrant and enjoyable shopping and entertainment experience for locals and visitors alike. The Saudi Arabian people celebrate Eid al-Fitr with great eagerness and joy. Families gather, feasts are prepared, gifts are distributed, and charitable contributions are made.