Many Muslims across the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan draws to a close. The event, which means 'festival of breaking the fast', signals an end to dawn-to-dusk daily fasting and is marked with family feasts, giving gifts, and buying new clothes and jewellery to wear for the occasion.
People across the world have been eagerly awaiting the news that the Shawwal moon, which marks the end of Ramadan, has been spotted. Eid al-Fitr traditionally begins the day after the sighting of the new crescent moon. The Saudi Supreme Court sent observers across the country to look for the new moon and, although it was seen by some as unlikely, it was spotted on Thursday evening and the date for Eid has been set for Friday, April 21.
Not all Muslims in the UK follow the Saudi dates for Eid but this will be a significant announcement for many. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims and sees them fast from dawn to dusk for 29 or 30 days. This year Ramadan began the day after the sighting of the crescent moon, which appeared on the evening of March 22 in the UK.
When exactly Eid is celebrated depends on the sighting of the next crescent moon. This means that Muslims have to wait until the night before to find out the exact day celebrations can commence. A spotting of the new moon on the night of day 29 (Thursday) means the next day will be Eid. If it has not been spotted, and for those waiting for a UK sighting, fasting continues for one more day and Muslims would celebrate Eid after 30 days on Saturday.
How long does Eid al-Fitr last?
Eid al-Fitr is held immediately after Ramadan meaning it falls on April 21 this year. It is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, which is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Although Eid is not a public holiday in the UK it is in many Muslim countries.
Eid al-Fitr is one of two major festivals celebrated by Muslims each year with the other being Eid al-Adha. This falls later in the summer and honours Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. It is seen as a spiritual celebration of Allah’s gift of strength and endurance. It is also a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, when people are expected to give and show kindness. Eid al-Adha lasts for four days.
When does Eid al-Fitr end?
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on which country you live in. It is forbidden to fast on the Day of Eid and a specific prayer is nominated for this day. In 2023 for those following the Saudi Arabia moon sightings Eid will start on Friday April 21 and last until Sunday April 23 (inclusive). However those waiting for a UK sighting may have to wait longer as no sightings have been declared so far. You can get the latest updates here.
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- Eid al-Fitr 2023 date announced in Saudi Arabia as moon sighting confirmed
- Eid al-Fitr 2023: Live updates as moon sighting confirmed for Saudi Arabia
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