Newcastle Muslims will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the ‘festival of breaking the fast’ which marks the end of Ramadan – during which Muslims have fasted from sunrise to sundown for a month.
There will be festivities lasting up to three days where worshippers can gather, eat and exchange gifts. The date of Eid al-Fitr is dictated by the sighting of the moon, which will most likely begin on Monday, May 2, or Tuesday, May 3.
Lunar months last either 29 or 30 days so Muslims usually have to wait until after sunset on the 29th day to verify its date. On the 29th night of the month, local moon sighters will scan the horizon for the crescent Moon. If the new moon is visible, the next day will be Eid, if not, Muslims will then fast one more day to complete a 30-day month.
