Every year, after fasting the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world participate in the celebration known as Eid-al-Fitr. The sighting of the new moon determines what day Eid-al-Fitr will be every year. This year, Eid-al-Fitr fell on either Saturday, May 23, or Sunday, May 24, 2020, depending on when the moon was sighted in the area. The word “Eid” literally means “festivity” in Arabic, and Muslims all over the world spend the day praying, eating, and celebrating with family. Although the coronavirus pandemic has affected school, work, events, and celebrations, people have tried to celebrate Eid as normally as possible while in quarantine.

“Fitr” means “breaking the fast,” so Eid-al-Fitr is largely a celebration to end Ramadan. There are many activities that people take part in to prepare for Eid. One of these preparations is putting together Eid attire. It is a sunnah, or tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, to wear new clothes on Eid, and in order to follow this sunnah, people often buy new clothes that are to be worn for the first time on Eid day.

Many people decorate their hands with henna tattoos as well. While going out and showing off your beautiful attire may not have been possible this Eid, wearing special clothes is still fundamental for the full Eid experience.

Another task that is handled before Eid is getting gifts for your loved ones and peers. These gifts include toys, jewelry, clothes, or money. Gifts are not completely necessary though, and this year, it was still possible to show love to family members and friends without giving them gifts.

Usually, the most last-minute preparation for Eid is the food, as it has to be made the night before or even the day of. Meals and sweets are often prepared in large quantities for the day of Eid. Despite not being able to share with others this year, people still prepared delicious food for their families to enjoy at home this Eid.

On the day of Eid, Muslims wake up early for Salat-al-Eid, or the Eid prayer. People usually get ready and eat breakfast before heading to the mosque for Salat-al-Eid. Unfortunately this year, because of the pandemic, we had to pray Salat-al-Eid at home, rather than at the mosque as it is usually done. After the prayer, people mingle and wish each other a blessed Eid.

Everyone has unique traditions that they follow for Eid day after that, whether it is reconnecting with family and friends or going to an amusement park for the day. As a result of social distancing, most people this year were unable to visit family and friends as they normally would have done. Instead, people video called their friends and family to make up for the fact that they were unable to see each other in person. Beyond that, this year’s Eid was focused on celebrating with the people living in one’s own home. Despite not being able to see people or go out this year, Eid was still a heartwarming experience during the Coronavirus pandemic, even though it was celebrated at home.

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan. It is always celebrated with excitement and pride. While many were unable to celebrate as they usually do this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, efforts to make the day as special as usual were still made. Even though the Coronavirus pandemic has affected almost all aspects of our lives, this year, Eid-al-Fitr was still celebrated to the greatest extent possible.

Even though the Coronavirus pandemic has affected almost all aspects of our lives, this year, Eid-al-Fitr was still celebrated to the greatest extent possible.