Muslims around the world celebrated `Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking) on Sunday, marking the end of Ramadan. The holiday began Oct. 15 and is a month-long Islamic celebration of fasting during daylight hours.
`Eid-ul-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Hijra calendar. During the celebration, Muslims dress in holiday attire, attend a special community prayer in the morning, visit with friends and family and often exchange gifts.
In many Muslim countries, the holiday is a three-day celebration with the main festivities occurring on the first day. Fasting is forbidden on the first day of `Eid-ul-Fitr because the festival celebrates the end of the Ramadan fast.
After rising, participants dress in new, festive clothes and attend a community prayer. Part of the celebration of `Eid-ul-Fitr is the giving of an obligatory gift to charity. The gift is usually given during the month of Ramadan so it can be used by the recipient for the `Eid-ul-Fitr celebration. The gift, called Zakatul Fitr, is normally given to needy Muslims in the local community.

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