Millions of Muslims around the world are welcoming Eid al-Fitr after the long month of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr, which in Arabic means “festival of the breaking of the fast” is one of the biggest religious festivals observed in the Islamic faith and marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims during daylight hours.
The exact date of Eid al-Fitr varies from year to year due to sightings of the moon within the Islamic calendar. This also means that it will vary from country to country depending upon when the moon is sighted.
Some Muslims prefer to witness the moon for themselves, while others take the official sightings from moon-sighting committees set up to watch for evidence of the new moon, such as the one in the UAE.
This year, Eid officially begins on June 4th in the UAE and will mean that many people get an extra-long holiday due to Friday being the weekend. Most government workers will have up to six days holiday.
Eid is celebrated as a time of forgiveness and thanks. It marks the end of the month of Ramadan, so Muslims thank Allah for his support during that time, and also give gifts and food to those less fortunate then themselves.
Muslims will gather in prayer at Mosques around the world to perform special Eid prayers and will greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” or “Blessed Eid”, meaning have a blessed holiday.
Families will spend time visiting each other, hosting parties and sharing gifts. Many will give sweets, shoes and clothes to younger family members, and also gifts of money called “Eidi” which are given by elders and relatives.
The celebrations for Eid are similar to the Christmas period that Christian countries observe; gifts, money, food, family and holidays are enjoyed together as a sharing of thanks and appreciation.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai took to Twitter to wish the people of UAE, Arab and Muslim world on the joyous occasion of Eid Al Fitr.
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