What is Eid al-Fitr?

For most Muslims, Eid al-Fitr, the joyous end to the month-long fast of Ramadan, began last night. What's it all about?

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Dita Alangkara/AP
Indonesian Muslim children carry torches during a parade celebrating Eid al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, Aug. 30.

Eid al-Fitr, abbreviated to “Eid,” is a holiday that commemorates the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. The holiday's name translates to the “feast of breaking the fast” and is marked by a community prayer and one to three days of feasting, celebration, new clothes, and the giving of alms to the poor.

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