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Eid Al-Fitr 2014: When Does Ramadan End?

When Does Ramadan End?
Indian Muslim women offer prayers on Eid al-Fitr in Chennai, India, Friday, Aug. 9, 2013. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset. (AP Photo/Arun Sankar K.)
AP
Indian Muslim women offer prayers on Eid al-Fitr in Chennai, India, Friday, Aug. 9, 2013. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset. (AP Photo/Arun Sankar K.)

The month of Ramadan, which lasts from June 29 until July 29, is a time in which Muslims bring themselves closer to Allah through fasting and prayer.

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the "Feast of Fast-Breaking," marks the end of the month in a celebration that brings followers of Islam together in a spirit of gratitude and harmony, says the Times of India.

Eid was first celebrated by the Prophet Muhammad after the Muslims defeated the Meccans in the Battle of Jang-e-Badar in 624 CE, BBC News reports.

The occasion sees Muslims wear their best clothes, offer prayers at mosques and extend good wishes to neighbours and others, says The Times.

Food, of course, is central to a celebration that marks the end of the fasting period, according to Smithsonian magazine.

One of the most common foods served for Eid is meethi seviyan, thin spaghetti-like strands that can feature in both sweet and savoury dishes, according to Manjula's Kitchen.

Klaicha, a date-filled sweet that smells of rosewater, is popular among Iraqis. Mamoul, a cookie with dates and ground walnuts, is a prominent sweet in Syria, Lebanon and other countries.

Palestinians, meanwhile, eat ghraybeh, a butter cookie with pine nuts or almonds.

Check out some photos of Eid celebrations around the world:

Eid 2013

Eid al-Fitr 2013 Around The World

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