Eid basics
Eid al-Fitr translates to the Festival of Breaking the Fast. It marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the two major celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
The morning start
Eid day usually begins with a congregational morning prayer held in large open spaces or mosques.
Celebration
The day is centered on family visits, sharing meals, giving gifts, and community gatherings.
Charity
A specific form of charity is given before the Eid prayer to ensure everyone in the community can celebrate and eat.
Eid in the workplace
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the exact date of Eid depends on the sighting of the new moon.
Time off
Many Muslims request one or more days off for Eid. It is helpful to treat these requests as you would any major religious holiday and plan for coverage in advance.
Flexibility
Since the date can shift by a day at the last minute, having a flexible approach to leave is a very supportive gesture.
Meetings
If possible, avoid scheduling major project launches or mandatory “all hands” meetings during the expected dates of Eid.
Quick checklist for teams
- Check the calendar: Look up the estimated dates for Eid al-Fitr this year.
- Ask early: Ask your team members if they plan to take time off so you can manage workloads.
- Send a note: A quick “Eid Mubarak” in a team chat or email on the day is a small but meaningful inclusive action.
How to acknowledge Eid
You do not need to be Muslim to offer a greeting. Acknowledging the day is a simple way to show respect for a colleague’s traditions.
Common greeting
The most standard greeting is Eid Mubarak, which means Blessed Eid.
What to say
A simple “Happy Eid” or “I hope you have a wonderful celebration with your family” is always appropriate.
Gift giving
While not expected in a workplace, if your team does a “treat day,” having some sweets available after Ramadan has ended is often a nice way to join the celebration.
Ramadan and giving
A way to give back
If this guide helped you or your team, consider donating to support emergency medical care through Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Share with colleagues and friends.