How to Prepare for Eid al-Fitr 2024

There aren’t any celebrations quite like Eid al-Fitr, and that’s because there aren’t any months quite like Ramadan. After an entire month devoted to rigorous worship, the first day after marks an especially enjoyable day of celebration. 

Here are some tips to prepare for Eid al-Fitr 2024.

Make the most of Ramadan

To make the most of Eid al-Fitr, we must first make the most of Ramadan. This means doing our best throughout the month to better ourselves. Yes, we should be focused on our fast and our prayer, but the further we go beyond the minimum, the better. We will benefit more as we learn to better hold our tongues from negative speech. The more we adjust our content consumption to be Islamic (and Islamically appropriate), the more we will be mindful of Ramadan’s blessings. And, of course, Ramadan is also about giving. 

This Ramadan, supplement your fasting by giving to charity. 

Those giving their zakat in Ramadan 2024 can use Zakat Foundation of America’s updated online Zakat Calculator. It functions like a worksheet and automatically calculates zakat based on what users input. 

All this will make Eid al-Fitr feel more rewarding than usual in 2024.

Remain cognizant of the political climate

Muslims in Gaza, Palestine, have entered Ramadan fasting involuntarily, and through steadfastness, they pivoted to carefully voluntarily fasting. As much as we want to celebrate — and should celebrate — we must make sure not to go overboard for Eid al-Fitr 2024. This can apply to our in-person and social media presences. In both cases, we should take care to keep in mind the devastating situation of Palestinians in Gaza and dedicate our charity and prayers for them while they need it the most.

Get new clothes

Those who are able are encouraged to get new clothes or wear their best as part of their Eid al-Fitr celebration. Islam has few holidays, so it’s important to savor them and celebrate appropriately. For those getting new clothes, make sure to look into where the materials are sourced from. It’s better to avoid companies that aren’t open and transparent about their sourcing, instead opting for those that support good causes and use renewable resources.

Give Eid gifts to orphans

If we’re going to be happy, the kids should be too — and not just our own. Every year, Zakat Foundation of America and its donors send Eid gifts to orphans across parts of East Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Eid al-Fitr 2024 will be no different, inshaAllah. 

For $30 per gift, donors can put smiles on orphans’ faces, providing them with new clothes, Eid money, and new toys. Let the children know that people all around the world love them and care for them.

Give Zakat al-Fitr

There’s a special form of charity Muslims are obligated to pay on the morning of Eid al-Fitr. Naturally, Eid al-Fitr 2024 is no different. Zakat al-Fitr, also called Sadaqat al-Fitr, is due on every Muslim at the end of Ramadan, regardless of age or gender. Some Islamic schools of thought say it is due before the last sunset of Ramadan, whereas others have ruled it’s due before the Eid prayer. [For more information, read: What Is Zakat al-Fitr, the Special Ramadan Zakat?]

This is separate from Zakat al-Mal, which is not necessarily due in Ramadan, though many Muslims choose to pay during the holy month. For some people, it is due in Shawwal — the month following Ramadan, meaning the month in which Eid al-Fitr falls. Use Zakat Foundation of America’s updated online Zakat Calculator once you determine when your zakat is due.

Last step

All that’s left is to enjoy Eid al-Fitr 2024! Remember that Muslims are encouraged to eat on this holiday — the name of which means celebration of the feast. At the same time, Muslims must refrain from eating excessively. Even in times of celebration, we must practice moderation.

Eid mubarak!