What is Eid al-Fitr?

• The festival of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours.
• Eid al-Fitr is also known as the "Feast of Breaking the Fast", and its underlying purpose is to give thanks to God.
• It falls at the start of the lunar month of Shawwal on the Islamic calendar, although the exact start date can depend on the sighting of the new moon.
• Muslims flock for early morning prayers on Eid, many of them dressed in their best clothes.
• Children receive presents, while greeting cards are often exchanged and many people adorn their homes with lights and other decorations.
• Money and food are often given to the poor during Eid, and old wrongs are said to be forgiven. 
• Eid feasts, attended by friends and relatives, can last several days in some countries.
• Sheer khurma (a dish of dates cooked in milk) is usually eaten in the morning of Eid al-Fitr.
• Eid al-Fitr is also known as Id al-Fitr or Eid ul-Fitr, and not to be confused with the other main Muslim festival, Eid al-Adha, which falls in October and celebrates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his own son, Ishmael, on Allah's command.