Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic year, and is followed by Shawal. The first three days of Shawal are the "Eid" days. Last year (2003), the first day of "Eid" fell on 27th October in most countries. The reason it differs from country to country is the calendar. It is a little bit complicated, but each month has either 29 or 30 days. On the 29th night of the month, people look for the new moon. If it is spotted, then the month has 29 days, and the next day is the start of a new month. If it is not spotted the month continues on for a 30th day, and then the new month starts. These days, astronomers can predict the months and phases of the moon very accurately, but it is still traditional for the moon to be spotted by someone.

"Eid Al-Fitr" is all about celebrating the good things that we have received, God�s (Allah�s) bounty and our family and friends. Every household who can afford it must pay a form of tax in the days leading up to "Eid". It is a very small amount, and is paid for each person in the family. Traditionally, the tax was in the form of food, although most people now give the equivalent in money. The money or food is given to poor people, so that they can celebrate "Eid" too. The tax is not collected by anyone, and no one is forced to pay it, but it is required as a religious act, and almost everyone pays.

Many people decorate their houses for Eid. This is rather an odd thing, since no-one is sure when "Eid" is, until the last minute, and so decorations are put up very late on the last day of the month. Everyone has new clothes for "Eid". The last few nights of Ramadan it is almost impossible to get into the shops, as everyone is buying their clothes.

On the morning of Eid, everyone gets up very early to go to the prayers. These are special prayers, held only at "Eid". After the prayers everyone goes home to eat breakfast and then the celebrations really begin. It is not common for children to receive gifts. Instead they receive money. The money should be in the form of a brand new bank note or coins. The amount given is small, but still they get plenty. Everyone who visits the children, or everyone whom they visit, gives them the gift of money. In a large extended family, with lots of friends, the children can end up with a small fortune!

Sometime around midmorning people start to go out visiting. They visit neighbours and friends in the morning. At each visit special cakes are eaten, and the children receive their money. The visits are very short as there are plenty to make. Dinner is spent with family. The traditional meal varies from country to country, the only standard thing being the special cakes. Each day of the holiday is spent with a different branch of the family, so that everyone gets visited. In the evening the visits start up again. This goes on for three days, but money is normally only given to the children on the first two days.

In between visiting, people make trips out into the streets. Many streets have a sort of fair going, with music, dancing, fireworks, kids' games and much more. Here the children get to spend their money. They buy candy, soft drinks, toys and rides. Everyone has great fun, and the children are always disappointed when it is over. The adults, on the other hand, are usually worn out and glad of the rest!