An Overview of Eid al-Fitr in Iranian Culture

Eid al-Fitr is a feast held by Muslims at the end of the month of Ramadan and on the first day of the month of Shawwal. This day is a public holiday in all Islamic countries. It is forbidden to fast on Eid al-Fitr. Muslims say Eid prayers (the special prayer offered to commemorate Eid al-Fitr) on this occasion and pay zakat al-Fitr (alms tax). Similar to all other Muslim countries, in Iranian cities and villages people celebrate this event by holding Eid prayers and performing the related traditional rituals. The present paper, which has been written based on library and document analysis methods of research, elaborates on the history and quality of holding Eid al-Fitr customs and ceremonies in Iran. Moreover, there is a short reference to the holding of this holy Eid (feast) in others Islamic countries.