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After approximately 30 days of fasting, worship and reflection during Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr with prayer, festive food and gatherings of family and friends.

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims refrain from food and drink between dawn and sunset. Known in Arabic as Siyam, fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam—the central acts of worship guiding Muslim faith and practice. The observance also encourages self-discipline, gratitude, empathy, prayer and reading the Quran.

Senior Daaniel Pasha said he prepares for the daily fast during suhoor, the meal eaten before sunrise, by having yogurt and bananas. After sunset, he breaks his fast with a date and water before enjoying South Asian foods prepared by his mother, including samosas, pakoras and chicken patties.

Eating dates after dusk is a Ramadan tradition connected to the Sunnah, the teachings and practices associated with the Prophet Muhammad. Dates also supply natural sugar and nutrients such as potassium and magnesium.

Ramadan is a time for charity and acts of kindness as Muslims pursue spiritual growth. On its final evening, some South Asian Muslims observe “chaand raat,” or the night of the moon.

“People gather together and break their fast together while watching the new moon rise, marking the beginning of Eid,” Pasha said.

Eid al-Fitr can last from one to three days. Celebrations commonly begin with morning prayers and continue with meals, gifts and visits with loved ones.

Junior Farah Elomari said her favorite parts of Eid are the food and sense of community. Her family bakes cookies to share with relatives, friends and neighbors, a tradition she anticipates every year.

Freshman Meena Elhadi celebrates by attending prayers and eating barbecue with friends and family. Sophomore Murad Feroze’s family gathers for lunch and dinner, while older relatives give children money known as Idi.

For Muslims marking the holiday, those personal traditions add to the shared joy of completing Ramadan.