Eid al-Fitr, known as the feast that breaks the fast of Ramadan, is the first and only day of the new month called Shawwal when Muslims are not permitted to fast.
Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam which lasts between 29 and 30 days, is based on when a new moon is sighted by local religious authorities. When the crescent moon is seen, Eid can begin.
Considered one of the most important holidays of the Islamic calendar, Eid has its own particular set of prayers that can only be recited in congregation and often called out in parks, community centres or mosques called the Salat al-Eid.
When is Eid al Fitr 2018?
Due to the dates of Ramadan varying from one year to another on the Gregorian calendar, Eid is also on a different day each year because it is determined by the lunar calendar.
In 2018, Eid al-Fitr will took place on Friday, June 15 after the crescent moon is seen on the evening of June 14 in Saudi Arabia.
Eid al-Fitr officially began on Friday 15th June 2018.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has requested for Muslims to keep an eye out for the crescent moon and report it to authorities as many Islamic scholars insist on it being visible with the naked eye.
Pakistani worshippers hold prayers for Eid in the Lahore King’s Mosque for the religious festival
How to celebrate Eid in the Kenya
Every year, Eid al-Fitr is a big celebration with the Salat al-Eid being recited. Muslims will gather at mosques or open-air areas to pray on the first morning before eating breakfast with their family and friends, their first meal in daylight in over a month.
Events were also be held in different parts of the country to mark the start of the new month, as it was declared a public holiday.
Muslims also honour Eid by giving to charity and this is referred to as Zakat al-Fitr. Donations will be given to those who are not able to join in the feast and celebrate the breaking of the fast.
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