Thousands and thousands of Muslims in international locations around the globe will quickly be celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the tip of the holy month of Ramadan.
This tends to range relying on lunar observations within the nation you’re in, as many countries, comparable 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 annually within the Islamic calendar.
The second Eid, known as Eid al-Adha, which is often known as the pageant 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 in addition deeply non secular as nicely… many can 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 mates coming collectively to eat. They typically alternate items, and folks costume their greatest for the event.
Typically, costume, meals and custom can range relying on completely different cultures and the completely different locations internationally the place Muslims rejoice the auspicious vacation within the Islamic religion.
“Having the ability to sit collectively and have fun, sharing good meals and embracing one another, carrying completely different youngsters and gifting, it’s a extremely 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. Folks could have occasions of their gardens now the climate’s loads higher, in addition to indoors, and in public locations. It’s a joyous time.”
Eid al-Fitr sometimes lasts round three days.
Does Eid happen on the identical time annually?
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.
For example, final 12 months, most Muslims, together with those that noticed the complete moon in Niger, Nigeria and Mali, celebrated the beginning of Eid on April 9. Nevertheless, different international locations noticed it a day later and celebrated the spiritual pageant on April 10 as a substitute.
This 12 months, anybody following the Gregorian calendar will see dates pushed ahead to March 30 or 31.
Supply hyperlink
