Celebrating Eid al-Fitr: A Joyous Festival After Ramadan
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Muslims around the world are gearing up to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “festival of breaking the fast.” This festive occasion is one of the two major Muslim holidays.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown, focusing on prayer and self-reflection. The exact start date of Eid al-Fitr depends on the sighting of the crescent moon and is expected to fall on either Tuesday or Wednesday.
When is Ramadan over in 2024? Experts suggest that Wednesday is more likely due to a solar eclipse on Monday. Eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler explains that since the eclipse occurs in the early afternoon, the moon phase will be no more than 5 to 6 hours old at sunset, making it impossible to see the crescent moon that evening.
How is Eid celebrated? Eid begins when Ramadan ends. Muslims kick off the three-day holiday by participating in morning prayers on the first day of Eid. Families come together for festivities, visiting relatives, sharing large meals with traditional foods, and exchanging gifts. New clothes are often worn, and children receive presents or cash.
Zakat al-Fitr: During Eid, Muslims give zakat al-Fitr, an obligatory food donation or its equivalent in cash, which is made before the end of Ramadan.
Eid Greetings: People wish each other Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid) and Happy Eid during this joyful celebration.
What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, believed to be when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan? Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which every 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.
Eid Celebrations in North Jersey: The Eid Committee of New Jersey, representing several North Jersey mosques, holds one of the largest Eid prayer 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.
Islamic Center of Passaic County’s Eid Night Bazaar: On Tuesday, from 8 p.m. to midnight, the Islamic Center of Passaic County will host an Eid Night Bazaar at its Paterson campus on 152 Derrom Ave. The bazaar will feature various vendors showcasing merchandise, clothing, street food, and desserts. Additionally, there will be a community prayer in solidarity with Gaza, with twenty percent of proceeds to be donated.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: Eid al-Fitr is one of the two major Muslim 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, Eid al-Adha will take place in June.
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