As Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims across the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and the end of their fast. People across the world have been eagerly awaiting the news that the Shawwal moon, which marks the end of the religious holiday, has been spotted. Eid al-Fitr traditionally begins the day after the sighting of the new crescent moon.
After astronomers in Saudi Arabia were unable to see the crescent moon on Saturday evening (April 30) it was announced that Eid al-Fitr will be on Monday, May 2 in Saudi Arabia and for other countries that follow the Saudi declarations. Since the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and European countries rely on the moon announcement by the Saudi Arabia Royal Court, Muslims there will also mark Eid celebrations with the Gulf states.
Ramadan has been taking place for the last four weeks, during which Muslims have fasted between dawn and sunset. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the basis of how Muslims live their lives. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer and doing good, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Once Ramadan comes to an end and Eid begins, based on the sighting of the crescent moon, several days of celebrations begin. The day starts with prayers and a big meal is usually the main event, but there’s lots of other ways people celebrate too. Lots of people celebrate EID by spending time exchanging gifts and visiting friends and family.
How long does Eid last?
Eid al-Fitr is held immediately after Ramadan, meaning it is expected to fall on 2 May this year. Celebrations can last up to three days, depending on where you are in the world. 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, the other being Eid al-Adha, which 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-Fitr is a three day festival. Eid al-Adha, which happens in July spans four days.
When does Eid end?
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country. It is forbidden to fast on the Day of Eid, and a specific prayer is nominated for this day. In 2022, Eid will start on Monday May 2 and last until Wednesday May 4 (inclusive).
Eid is celebrated twice a year. The first Eid celebration is Eid al-Fitr, which lasts three days. The second Eid is Eid al-Adha, which spans four days.
Eid al-Fitr (“the feast of breaking the fast”) marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fast for Muslims. Eid al-Adha, translated to “feast of the sacrifice,” celebrates the end of Muslims’ annual pilgrimage to Mecca, also called the Hajj.
