As the end of Ramadan approaches, the Islamic celebration of Eid al-Fitr is drawing nearer.
However, when the celebration takes place depends on when the moon is sighted.
Ramadan is a period of fasting for a lunar month, the end of which is marked by Eid. When Eid occurs though is not known until the night before. Here is everything you need to know:
READ MORE: Muslim communities in Ireland celebrate Ramadan
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr, which translates to "the festival of the breaking of the fast" is a celebration that takes place to mark the end of Ramadan.
According to Wales Live, Muslims who celebrate Eid mark the day by eating a sweet such as a date-filled biscuit known as maamoul before attending a prayer service at or near their mosque shortly after dawn.
As well as donating to charities, Eid itself consists of visiting relatives and exchanging gifts.
When does Eid al-Fitr take place in Ireland?
Eid al-Fitr takes place on the Islamic date of 1 Shawwal, this is the first day of the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The celebration always falls on the first day of Shawwal as it marks the end of 30 days of Ramadan.
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, meaning that the date of Eid-ul-Fitr in the Gregorian calendar changes by approximately 10 days every year, this is because lunar months are shorter than solar months.
However, when exactly Eid takes place depends on when the next crescent moon is sighted. This means that those who celebrate have to wait until the night before to find out when the celebrations begin.
As such, if the moon can be seen on the night of day 29, then the following day will be Eid. If there is no moon on Thursday night, then fasting will continue for another day and Eid will be celebrated by Muslims on Saturday.
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