The Islamic holy month of Ramadan has come to an end - which means... Eid al-Fitr.
What is Eid?
Marking the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr - which means "festival of breaking the fast" - for three days.
When is Eid 2018?
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles and the new moon has been sighted - which means Eid day is on Friday June 15, with Ramadan officially over. Mosques throughout the UK are holding Eid al-Fitr prayers today.
What is Ramadan and why did Muslims fast throughout the month?
Ramadan is held during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a time for spiritual reflection, acts of charity and spending time with loved ones.
It is also a month when Muslims fast. This means they don’t eat or drink between sunrise and sunset, which is important during Ramadan as it allows them to devote themselves further to their faith, ultimately becoming closer to Allah, or God.
The reason why Muslims fast is because it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the other pillars being faith, prayer, charity and making the pilgrimage to Mecca – the Holy City.
Before sunrise, they have a meal (suhoor) and another meal (iftar) after sunset. The only people that do not have to fast during Ramadan are children, the elderly, pregnant women and those who are travelling or who are ill.
When is Ramadan 2019?
Because Islamic months follow the lunar calender, Ramadan arrives around 10 days earlier every year. Ramadan 2019 is expected to start on Sunday May 5.
How do you say 'happy Eid'?
Eid mubarak is a greeting and well wish phrase used by Muslims during Eid. It means 'blessed Eid'.
What and when is Eid ul Adha?
Beginning on 21st August until 25th August, Eid ul Adha is also known as the Greater Eid and is regarded as the second most important festival in the Muslim calendar.
Observed by Muslims around the world, it marks the culmination of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son in order to obey God but was stopped by God who provided him with an animal to sacrifice instead.
To commemorate this, Muslims will feast on an animal but will divide it into three parts. They will give one part to the poor and those in need, one part to friends and they will share one part with their family.
