In Dubai, Eid al-Fitr 2021 begins in the evening of Thursday 13 May and ends in the evening of Saturday the 15:th.

Worshippers are urged not to crowd at the entry and exit points of mosques and avoid gathering before and after Eid prayers.

The authorities have outlined precautionary measures outlined by authorities earlier, including wearing of face masks, maintaining physical distancing and avoiding physical greetings like handshakes. 

Here are five facts about the feast all over the muslim world:

1. What is Eid
According to Times of India, Eid literally means a “festival” in Arabic. There are two major Eids in the Islamic calendar per year – Eid al Fitr earlier in the year and Eid al-Adha later. Eid al-Fitr is a three-day-long festival and is know as the “Smaller Eid” when compared to Eid al-Adha which goes on for four days.

2. Why is Eid celebrated twice a year
The two Eids recognize, celebrate and recall two distinct events that are significant to the story of islam.

Eid al-Fitr means “the feast of breaking the fast”. The fast, in this instance, is Ramadan, which recalls the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and requires Muslims to fast from sunrise to sundown for a month.

3. How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr
Eid al Fitr features two to three days of celebrations that include special morning prayers. People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” meaning “Blessed Eid” and with formal embraces. Sweet dishes are prepared at home and gifts are given to children and those in need. In addition, Muslims are encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness. Practices vary from country to country.

In many countries with large Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday. Schools, offices and businesses are closed so family, friends and neighbours can enjoy the celebrations together. In the US and the UK, Muslims may request to have the day off from school or work to travel or celebrate with family and fri linends.

In countries like Egypt and Pakistan, Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights or flowers. Special food is prepared and friends and family are invited over to celebrate.

In places like Jordan, with its Muslim majority population, the days before Eid al-Fitr can see a rush at local malls and special “Ramadan markets” as people prepare to exchange gifts on Eid al-Fitr.

In Turkey and in places that were once part of the Ottoman-Turkish empire such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, it is also known as the “Lesser Bayram” or “festival” in Turkish.

4. Why now
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and dates are calculated based on lunar phases. Since the Islamic calendar year is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar year by 10 to 12 days, the dates for Ramadan and Eid on the Gregorian calendar can vary year by year.

5. What is the spiritual meaning of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, as it follows the fasting of Ramadan, is also seen as a spiritual celebration of Allah’s provision of strength and endurance.

Amid the reflection and rejoicing, Eid al-Fitr is time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. Eid is meant to be a time of joy and blessing for the entire Muslim community and a time for distributing one’s wealth.

Charity to the poor is a highly emphasised value in Islam. The Quran says; “Believe in Allah and his messenger, and give charity out of the (substance) that Allah has made your heirs of. For those of you who believe and give charity – for them is a great award.”