Eid ul Fitr, a celebration marking the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, is likely to fall on July 17 this year in most countries, moon-sighting organisations have said.
The end of Ramadan, as its beginning, is signalled by the sighting of the moon and varies across countries. Moon-sighting bodies say that the new moon of Shawwal is likely to be seen on Thursday, July 16.
Eid al-Fitr, which means the ‘festival of breaking the fast’, will bring the end of strict fasting observed by Muslims across the world over the last month, during which they abstained from eating or drinking between dawn and dusk.
On Eid ul fitr, Muslims wake up before sunrise, usually eat dates for breakfast, and then visit mosques for special prayers. It is customary for a Muslim to clean themselves and dress in their best clothes before going to offer the Fajr, or morning, prayers.
As fasting is forbidden during Eid, Muslims will have a light breakfast and then attend the Eid prayers. It is essential that Muslims donate to charity to help the poor and needy before the Eid prayers. There is no audible call to prayer for the Eid prayers.
Muslims will gather in a mosque or open space en masse and offer two units of prayer – called “Rakaat”, a sermon is delivered after the prayer.
It is tradition to greet people on Eid by saying “Eid Mubarak”, which translates into “Happy Eid”. Eid ul Fitr lasts for one day, although the celebrations can last for up to three days.
The Newcastle Advertiser wishes its Muslim readership Eid Mubarak!