Thousands and thousands of Muslims in international locations all over the world will quickly be celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the top of the holy month of Ramadan.
This tends to fluctuate relying on lunar observations within the nation you’re in, as many countries, akin to Morocco and Saudi Arabia , will both verify Sunday, March 30 or Monday, March 31 because the date of Eid celebrations.
Right here, we have a look at the significance of the Islamic vacation and the way it’s celebrated.
There are two Eids celebrated every year within the Islamic calendar.
The second Eid, referred to as Eid al-Adha, which is also referred to as the competition of sacrifice, is marked round two months later, when many Muslims carry out the Hajj pilgrimage.
Mustafa Area OBE, director of Faiths Discussion board for London, beforehand mentioned: “It’s a celebration for the blessings of the holy month as we enter a brand new month.
“Ramadan is a really social month but additionally deeply religious as properly… many will probably be reciting the Koran and studying about their religion extra deeply. Eid is a time to come back collectively, for celebrating and mixing with folks.”
How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
For a lot of, the day begins with a morning prayer at a mosque adopted by household and associates coming collectively to eat. They typically alternate presents, and other people costume their finest for the event.
Typically, costume, meals and custom can fluctuate relying on totally different cultures and the totally different locations the world over the place Muslims rejoice the auspicious vacation within the Islamic religion.
“Having the ability to sit collectively and have amusing, sharing good meals and embracing one another, carrying totally different youngsters and gifting, it’s a very festive interval,” Mr Area mentioned.
“From toys to new garments, it’s typically mother and father who will reward youngsters and they’re going to costume up in good garments. Individuals may have occasions of their gardens now the climate’s lots higher, in addition to indoors, and in public locations. It’s a joyous time.”
Eid al-Fitr usually lasts round three days.
Does Eid happen on the similar time every year?
Much like Easter Sunday within the Christian calendar, Eid doesn’t fall on the identical date yearly and it additionally varies by nation.
As a substitute, Eid and the interval of Ramadan are each decided by a brand new moon, as Islam follows the lunar calendar, which has 10 much less days than the Gregorian calendar.
As an example, final yr, most Muslims, together with those that noticed the total moon in Niger, Nigeria and Mali, celebrated the beginning of Eid on April 9. Nonetheless, different international locations noticed it a day later and celebrated the non secular competition on April 10 as an alternative.
This yr, anybody following the Gregorian calendar will see dates pushed ahead to March 30 or 31.
