As the holy month of Ramadan reaches its final days, Muslims around the world are looking forward to the grand celebrations of Eid al-Fitr, a festival which marks the end of the month of fasting. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic lunar calendar, which is marked by the sighting of a new moon.
While the date of Eid al-Fitr is yet to be confirmed, the feast of breaking of the fast is likely to be celebrated on July 6 in most countries, calculated by the completion of 30 days of Ramadan. The sighting of the moon on July 5, however, will confirm the festival on the next day, but Muslims will look for signs of the crescent moon on July 4 itself. If the moon is sighted on July 4, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on July 5, which means Muslims will get only 29 days of fasting this year.
Muslims in most parts of the world, including the U.S., U.K., Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on July 6, but in countries like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, where the festival is commonly referred to as Eid ul-Fitr, the celebrations will commence the next day. According to a UAE astronomer, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to run for 30 days until Eid al-Fitr celebrations begin on July 6, Gulf Business reported.
The assistant director of Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences, Dr Ibrahim Al Jarwan, said that the crescent moon will emerge on July 4 at 3:13 pm UAE local time and set seven minutes before sunset, hence the moon will not be visible during the night, The National reported.
Most predictions are suggesting that Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on July 6 in most countries and on July 7 in India after completing 30 days of fasting.
What is the significance of Eid ul-Fitr?
Eid ul-Fitr, commonly referred to as Eid, can be translated as the festival of fast-breaking that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. After a whole month of performing religious activities, fasting and seeking closeness to Allah, Muslims take the reward for their submission by celebrating Eid with family and friends.
On this day, Muslims who followed Ramadan with absolute faith are forgiven for their past sins. The celebrations of Eid are carried over for three days, during which Muslims greet friends and relatives and an environment of joy and delight is created everywhere.
How is Eid ul-Fitr celebrated?
Muslims around the world start the day early by waking up before sunrise and offering the morning prayers of Fajr, which is mandatory. Following that, Muslims wear their best attire, perfume and offer the prayer of Eid ul-Fitr in open grounds.
It is mandatory that Muslims give sadaqah al-Fitr (charity of fast-breaking) before the Eid prayers. The aim of that is to ensure the less fortunate are able to celebrate Eid in favourable conditions. While it is better to offer the Eid prayers in open grounds, offering it in mosque is not entirely formidable.
Fasting on the day of Eid is not permitted by Islam and Muslims can eat light breakfast, mostly dates, before heading to the prayer grounds. The prayer of Eid ul-Fitr consists of a sermon followed by a congregational prayer, which is different from the regular ones that Muslims offer five times a day.
It is sunnah, the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, to choose different paths for going and coming to the prayer grounds and one must preferably walk while reciting praises of Allah in an audible tone. After completing the prayer of Eid, Muslims greet their friends and family.
Eid Mubarak wishes and greetings
- Eid Mubarak!" -- ("Blessed Eid!")
- "Taqabbala Allahu minna wa minkum." — ("May Allah accept from us, and from you.")
- Hope Love & Laughter, warmth & wishes joy and a Bouquet of Eid Wishes, Especially for you!!! EID MUBARAK
- Hope Love & Laughter. Warmth & wishes joy and a Bouquet of Eid Wishes, Especially for you!!! EID MUBARAK
- May God send his Love like Sunshine in his warm and gentle ways to fill every corner of your Heart and filled your Life with a lot of Happiness like this EID DAY. Wishing you EID MUBARAK.
- After congregational Eid prayer, Sentiment reciprocated with deep sense of Gratitude and manifestation. Very very happy Eid to you and your family.
- Its more than just an Eid wish, more than a message too. For it comes with warm and loving thoughts because it's meant for you.
