Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, of the “festival of breaking the fast,” one of two major Muslim holidays.
Eid al-Fitr begins at the end of Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam when Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown and focus on prayer and self-reflection. It is expected to being on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
When is Ramadan over in 2024?
Experts say Wednesday is far more likely because of the solar eclipse on Monday. Eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler told USA TODAY since the eclipse will happen in the early afternoon, the moon phase will be no more than 5 to 6 hours old at sunset, so it “will not be possible to see the crescent Moon that evening.”
When is Eid Al-Fitr? How is Eid celebrated?
Eid begins when Ramadan ends. Muslims begin the three-day holiday by taking part in prayers on the morning on the first day of Eid. Families then gather for festivities, visiting relatives and sharing in large meals with traditional foods. They typically wear new clothes and buy presents for children or give them cash.
Muslims also give give zakat al-Fitr, an obligatory food donation or cash equivalent that is made before the end of Ramadan. During the holiday, people wish one another Eid Mubarak, or Blessed Eid, and Happy Eid.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, when Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon.
The holy month ends with a three-day celebration know as Eid al-Fitr, although some Muslims say festivities will be toned down this year due to war in Gaza.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, or key practices that a Muslim is obligated to fulfill in their lifetime. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. They also refrain from habits such as smoking and sexual relations from dusk to dawn.
Are there North Jersey Eid celebrations?
The Eid Committee of New Jersey, representing several North Jersey mosques, holds one of the largest Eid prayers services in the area. This year, the committee has arranged for prayers at the Teaneck Armory on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.
The Islamic Center of Passaic County will hold an Eid Night Bazaar on Tuesday from 8 p.m. to midnight at its Paterson campus at 152 Derrom Ave. It will feature a variety of vendors showcasing merchandise, clothing, street food and desserts along with a community prayer in solidarity with Gaza. Twenty percent of proceeds to be donated to Gaza.
Eid al-Fitr is one of two major Muslims holidays. The other, Eid al-Adha, or the “feast of the sacrifice,” takes place in the final or twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. It honors the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This year, it will take place in June.