Eid al-Fitr in Sydney
This festival marks the end of Ramadan and a month of fasting. It is a day of prayer, charity and celebration.
Its exact date is confirmed by moon sighting each year. This page does not guess it. Your local mosque or Islamic council will announce it.
The basics
The festival, in short
1 Shawwal
Its date on the Hijri calendar
Salat al-Eid
Special congregational prayer
Zakat al-Fitr
Charity given before the prayer
1 day
Typically observed
How it's observed
The day begins with Salat al-Eid, a special congregational prayer held in the morning. Larger venues are often used to fit bigger crowds than a regular daily prayer.
Before the prayer, many give Zakat al-Fitr. It is a charitable donation meant to reach those in need in time for the celebration.
The rest of the day is spent with family and community. Festive meals are shared and many wear new clothes. Muslims greet each other with "Eid Mubarak". Fasting is not permitted on this day.
Eid prayer in Sydney
The Eid prayer is two rakats followed by a sermon (khutbah). It is prayed after sunrise and before Dhuhr. It is best offered in the early hours.
Many Sydney mosques and centres hold more than one session because of large crowds. Session times differ from mosque to mosque. Check with yours in advance. You can find one in the mosque directory.
To plan your morning, check sunrise for your suburb on the Sydney prayer times page.
Why the date isn't fixed here
The festival follows the sighting of the new moon that ends Ramadan. It is the same process that decides when Ramadan starts.
The confirmation usually arrives only a day or so ahead. It can differ slightly between countries and moon-sighting authorities. A fixed date on this page could easily be wrong for some readers.
Your local mosque or the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) announces the confirmed date. Eid falls the day after Ramadan's last day. The Ramadan in Sydney page shows when to expect it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Eid al-Fitr? +
It falls on 1 Shawwal, the day after Ramadan ends. Like Ramadan's start, it is confirmed by moon sighting a day or so ahead and is not fixed in advance. Local mosques and Islamic councils announce the date each year.
What does this festival celebrate? +
It celebrates the end of the month of fasting. The day includes a special congregational prayer and family gatherings. Many people give Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation, before the Eid prayer.
Is Eid ul-Fitr spelled differently? +
Yes. Eid ul-Fitr and Id al-Fitr are other spellings of the same festival. In South Asia it is also called Meethi Eid (Sweet Eid).
Is there a special prayer for Eid? +
Yes. Salat al-Eid is a congregational prayer held in the morning. It is separate from the five daily prayers. It is often held at larger venues to fit bigger crowds.
What time is the Eid prayer in Sydney? +
The prayer is offered between sunrise and Dhuhr. Each mosque sets its own session times and many hold more than one. Ask your local mosque for its exact times.
Is it allowed to fast on Eid day? +
No. Fasting is not permitted on the day of Eid. It is a day to eat and celebrate.
How long does the festival last? +
Most communities observe Eid as a single day of celebration. Customs and public holidays vary by country.