Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the “festival of breaking the fast”, one of the two major Muslim holidays.
Eid al-Fitr begins at the end of Ramadan, Islam’s holiest month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and focus on prayer and self-reflection. This is expected to happen on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
When will Ramadan end in 2024?
Experts say that due to the solar eclipse on Monday, its chances are higher on Wednesday. Eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler told USA TODAY that since the eclipse will occur in the afternoon, the moon’s phase at sunset will not be more than 5 to 6 hours old, so “it will not be possible to see the crescent moon that evening.”
When is Eid-ul-Fitr? How is Eid celebrated?
Eid starts as soon as Ramzan ends. Muslims begin the three-day holiday by attending morning prayers on the first day of Eid. Families then gather to celebrate, visit relatives, and partake in a large meal with traditional foods. They usually wear new clothes and buy gifts for the children or give them cash.
Muslims also pay Zakat al-Fitr, which is a mandatory food donation or cash equivalent that is made before the end of Ramadan. During the holidays, people wish each other Eid Mubarak, or Blessed Eid, and Happy Eid.
What is Ramzan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of 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 known as Eid al-Fitr, although some Muslims say celebrations will be scaled down this year due to the war in Gaza.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramzan?
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam or key practices that a Muslim is obliged to complete during his lifetime. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. They also avoid habits like smoking and sex from evening till morning.
Is Eid celebrated in North Jersey?
The Eid Committee of New Jersey, representing several mosques in North Jersey, holds one of the largest Eid prayer services in the region. This year, the committee has arranged for prayer on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 8:30 am at the Teaneck Armory
The Islamic Center of Passaic County will host an Eid Night Bazaar at its Paterson campus located at 152 Derome Ave. on Tuesday from 8 p.m. to midnight. It will feature a variety of vendors displaying merchandise, clothing, street food and sweets along with community prayers. Solidarity with Gaza. Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated to Gaza.
Eid al-Fitr is one of the two major holidays of Muslims. The second, Eid al-Adha, or “Feast of the Sacrifice”, occurs in the last or twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. It honors Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This year it will happen in June.
