Eid al-Fitr is a happy time for Muslims. It’s when we celebrate with family and friends. This special day comes after Ramadan, a month of fasting. Eid marks the start of Shawwal, the next month in the Islamic calendar. It’s a time to enjoy and be grateful together.
In the Islamic calendar, there are two special days called Eid. One is Eid ul-Fitr, which happens after Ramadan ends. The other is Eid al-Adha, which comes in the last month of the Islamic year, called Dhul Hijjah.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Moon Sighting
Eid al-Fitr 2024 is likely to be celebrated on April 10 or 11, depending on when the Shawwal crescent moon is sighted. This festival marks the end of Ramadan, the fasting month for Muslims.
The timing of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, by the Muslim lunar calendar.
There’s speculation that the moon sighting might be affected by a total solar eclipse. Some reports suggest that the crescent moon might not be visible right after the eclipse, possibly delaying the moon sighting until April 9, 2024. Eid will be celebrated the day after the crescent moon is sighted.
When is Eid al-Fitr in 2024?
Eid ul-Fitr will take place on Wednesday 10th or 11th of April 2024, following the sighting of the moon.
In the Islamic calendar, dates move around because it’s based on the moon’s phases. So, each year, Eid happens around 11 days earlier than the previous year. The start of Eid is decided by seeing the new moon after Ramadan.
In the Islamic calendar, a new day starts after sunset. So, when the moon is spotted after sunset, that marks the start of Eid. This means that the last day of fasting for Ramadan ends as the sun sets.
What does Eid ul-Fitr mean?
Eid means “the festival of breaking the fast.” It’s a celebration that comes after Ramadan, the month of fasting from sunrise to sunset for Muslims.
Eid is a happy day because we’ve pleased Allah by fasting during Ramadan. We celebrate by praying special Eid prayers, spending time with family, and eating delicious food.
Eid ul-Fitr is a time to be thankful for the blessings Allah has given us and to remember those who are less fortunate. It’s a time for extra prayers and devotion to Allah, while also celebrating and showing happiness and gratitude.
What to do on Eid al-Fitr?
Eid is a time for celebrating with family and friends, taking a break, and sharing good news! It’s a special day with lots of virtues. So, Muslims are encouraged to do several things during Eid, like:
- Every Muslim is encouraged to pray Eid prayer in congregation with their fellow Muslim community to thank Allah (SWT) and enjoin in good.
- Take a different route to and from Eid prayer. It is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to travel to the Eid prayer using one route and return home using a different direction.
- Wear your best clothes and smell good! This is a day that all are encouraged to perform a ritual ablution, wear their best clothes, smell good, and gather together in the community to bring in the celebration.
- Share gifts and glad tidings. Share in the celebration of a day ordained by Allah!
- Make Du’a and engage in Ibaadah (worship) and sunnah acts of worship. This is encouraged all year round, especially on days that draw us closer to Allah.
It was narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah:
On the Day of Eid, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to return after offering the Eid prayer in a way different from that by which he went. Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari
How many days is Eid al Fitr 2024?
Eid ul-Fitr lasts for one day and will be on Wednesday 10th April 2024, following the sighting of the moon. In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr takes place on the first day of Shawwal. This is the day in which Eid prayers take place, and it is forbidden to fast.
However, in many Muslim countries, the celebrations of Eid ul-Fitr can last for up to three days. These days are usually public holidays, in which families and friends gather and celebrate the end of a month of fasting.
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated for one day, while Eid al-Adha is celebrated for three consecutive days.
What is the story behind Eid-ul-Fitr?
Eid ul-Fitr was introduced by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Madinah in 624 EC. It began the year after the Hijra Sharif, once the Muslims had finished their first month of fasting in Ramadan.
When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came to Medina, he saw people celebrating two days with festivities. So, he declared two days of celebration: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
What is the Significance of Eid al Fitr?
Eid ul-Fitr is a time to celebrate the end of Ramadan with family and friends. It’s also a way to show happiness and thankfulness to Allah for allowing us to worship Him during Ramadan.
Eid ul-Fitr is also about strengthening bonds within families and communities. It’s a time for visiting relatives, exchanging gifts and food, and praying together in congregation.
Why Eid al-Fitr is important?
Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan, a period of month-long fasting for Muslims around the world.
Eid is a joyful time for gathering with family and friends. It’s also a time to rest and enjoy blessings. On Eid, we’re encouraged to remember Allah more and offer prayers to show gratitude for His blessings.
Indeed, it’s important to remember Allah on all occasions:
If anyone finds pleasure in receiving an answer from God in times of difficulty, he should make many supplications when times are easy. Hadith | Tirmidhi
Eid day holds many blessings. One of them is praying together with the Muslim community in the Eid prayer, showing gratitude to Allah (SWT) and spreading goodness.
What is the Symbol of Eid al-Fitr?
In Islam, Eid al-Fitr shows us that if we patiently observe fasting throughout Ramadan, we’ll be rewarded greatly. It’s like a celebration for finishing a month of fasting, and it reminds us of the happiness we’ll experience in the afterlife if we live a righteous life and obey Allah.
Eid ul-Fitr reminds us to always remember Allah, no matter the occasion. The main ritual of Eid is the Eid Salah, a special prayer done together with other Muslims, to thank Allah and do good deeds.
Eid ul-Fitr symbolizes what Allah has promised us in the Holy Qur’an:
Surely with hardship comes ease. Qur’an | 94:7
Ramadan can be tough with fasting all day, but Eid ul-Fitr is like a big celebration party with family and friends, a reward for completing the fasting month.
Ways to Celebrate Eid
Eid is often associated with feasting, but instead of eating too much and feeling sleepy, why not plan a fun activity for your family or friends? You could go to a park, or beach, or try something new like pottery. It’ll make your Eid memorable and enjoyable for everyone!
This Eid, consider spending time with those who might feel lonely, like elderly relatives who live alone. Reach out to them and invite them to join in the celebrations. Remember, our family extends beyond blood relations—it includes our entire community. It’ll make Eid special for both you and them!
Preparing for Eid-ul-Fitr
Before Eid, it’s essential to be ready by giving Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Fitrana. It’s a charity donation of food that Muslims must give before Eid prayer, before Ramadan ends, out of love for Allah. Zakat al-Fitr is mandatory for every self-sufficient adult Muslim who has extra food, for themselves and their dependents.
Muhammad Ismail