The end of the holy month of Ramadan is right around the corner which means Muslims all over the world will soon be celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
Each year, Eid is celebrated on a different date because it is determined by the cycle of the moon. Traditionally, Muslims will determine the start of Eid by sighting the start of a new moon cycle following the cycle at the start of Ramadan.
This year, most Islamic scholars agreed that Ramadan started on the evening of Wednesday, March 22. This means that Eid will likely start on Thursday evening on Thursday, April 20, 2023, and will carry on throughout Friday, April 21, 2023.
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As one of the special 'Eid' holidays, Eid al-Fitr holds massive importance in Islam and is seen as a very special day. Because of this, Eid is marked by a very specific type of prayer generally performed in a large hall or a field - for example, Platt Fields park regularly hosts prayers.
Eid prayers are also unique in that they are one of the only prayers that are religiously required to be performed in a congregation, stressing the importance of the Islamic community coming together to celebrate. Traditionally, Eid prayers begin at sunset on the night the crescent moon is first sighted but many mosques will offer to do Eid prayers the following morning.
Once prayers are finished, Muslims will traditionally visit their relatives and friends to wish them a happy Eid and often exchange gifts or sweets.
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