Millions of Muslims in countries around the world will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr as early as this Sunday, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Traditionally, people who practise Islam wait for the sighting of a crescent moon to determine when Eid festivities can kick off.
This tends to vary depending on lunar observations in the country you’re in, as many nations, such as Morocco and Saudi Arabia, will this week either confirm Sunday, March 30 or Monday, March 31 as the date of Eid celebrations.
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Eid al-Fitr concludes the fasting period in the Muslim religion, the celebrations for which families and friends gather, pray and eat together.
Here, we look at the importance of the Islamic holiday and how it is celebrated.
What is Eid?
There are two Eids celebrated each year in the Islamic calendar.
First, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. This is celebrated when the first crescent of the new moon is sighted.
The second Eid, called Eid al-Adha, which is also known as the festival of sacrifice, is marked around two months later, when many Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
Mustafa Field OBE, director of Faiths Forum for London, previously said: “It’s a celebration for the blessings of the holy month as we enter a new month.
“Ramadan is a very social month but also deeply spiritual as well… many will be reciting the Koran and learning about their faith more deeply. Eid is a time to come together, for celebrating and mixing with people.”
How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
For many, the day starts with a morning prayer at a mosque followed by family and friends coming together to eat. They often exchange gifts, and people dress well for the occasion.
Sometimes, dress, food and tradition can vary depending on different cultures and the different places across the world where Muslims celebrate the auspicious holiday in the Islamic faith.
“Being able to sit together and have a laugh, sharing good food and embracing each other, carrying different kids and gifting, it’s a really festive period,” Mr Field said.
“From toys to new clothes, it’s often parents who will gift kids and they will dress up in nice clothes ... It’s a joyous time.”
Eid al-Fitr typically lasts around three days.
Does Eid take place at the same time each year?
Similar to Easter Sunday in the Christian calendar, Eid does not fall on the same date every year and it also varies by country.
Instead, Eid and the period of Ramadan are both determined by a new moon, as Islam follows the lunar calendar, which has 10 less days than the Gregorian calendar.
For instance, last year, most Muslims, including those who spotted the crescent moon in Niger, Nigeria and Mali, celebrated the start of Eid on April 9. However, other countries spotted it a day later and celebrated the religious festival on April 10 instead.
This year, anyone following the Gregorian calendar will see dates pushed forward to March 30 or 31.
