Eid-al-Fitar is a holiday marking the end of RAMADAN the month of fasting which is one of the greatest religious observance in Islam. Eid Al-Fitr is expected to be on or around August 8th, 2013. The Fihg Council of North America has announced that Eid-al-Fitar will be on Thursday, August 8, 2013 based on "scientifically guaranteed astronomical calculations." The hilal moon marking the end of Ramadan is not expected to be visible in most areas of the world, however, so many other countries will likely announce Eid to be on Friday, August 9, 2013.
Note: The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. Estimates are based on expected visibility of the HILAL (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.
Muslims through the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr (also known as Id al-Fitr or Eid ul-Fitr) on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of the month-long fast of RAMADAN and the start of a feast that lasts up to three days in some countries.
What do people do?
Eid al-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday for Muslim communities across the the world. This event involves many Muslims waking up early and praying either at an outdoor prayer ground or a mosque. People dress in their finest clothes and adorn their homes with lights and other decorations.
Old wrongs are forgiven and money is given to the poor. Special foods are prepared and friends or relatives are invited to share the feast. Gifts and greeting cards are exchanged and children receive presents. Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion but its underlying purpose is to praise God and give thanks to him, according to Islamic belief.
Eid in the Square has been annually held in London to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, bringing diverse communities, families and friends together in recent years. It features live entertainment, stalls, exhibitions, prayer marquees, and a children’s play area. Some cultural heritage centres may host festivities associated with Eid al-Fitr. Many Muslim communities throughout the UK, including in Scotland, also organize their own festivities for this occasion.
Public life
Eid al-Fitr is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. However, many Islamic businesses and organizations may alter their business hours during this event. There may be some congestion around mosques around this time of the year. Eid al-Fitr is not a nationwide public holiday in countries such as Australia, Canada, Uk or US. However, many Islamic businesses and organizations may have altered opening hours. There may also be some congestion around mosques during the day of Eid.
Background
It is not possible to predict the date of Eid-al-Fitr according to the Gregorian calendar accurately. This is because the month of Shawwal begins, and hence the month of Ramadan ends, after a confirmed sighting of the new moon, either in Saudi Arabia or locally. The new moon may be sighted earlier or later in specific locations. Hence, many Muslims in different communities, for example on the east and west coasts of the USA and Canada, may begin the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations on different dates.
Eid al-Fitr is also known as the Feast of Fast-Breaking or the Lesser Feast. It marks the end of Ramadan and the start of a feast that lasts up to three days in some countries, such as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. It is one of Islam’s two major festivals, with Eid-ul-Duha being the other major festival. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of the fasting that occurs during Ramadan.
It is not possible to predict the date of Eid al-Fitr according to the Gregorian calendar accurately. This is because the month of Shawwal begins, and hence the month of Ramadan ends, after a confirmed sighting of the new moon. The new moon may be sighted earlier or later in specific locations. Hence, Muslims in different parts of the world may begin the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations on different dates.
Eid-al-Fitr Observances
Note: Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of the date for Islamic holidays, which begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday. The Islamic calendar is lunar and the days begin at sunset, so there may be one-day error depending on when the New Moon is first seen.
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