Millions of Muslims around the world are preparing for the end of Ramadan.
Ramadan, which involves practicing Muslims fasting from sunrise to sunset, takes places in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar each year.
When Ramadan is over, people celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which literally means “festival of breaking the fast”.
Like the start of the fasting period, the date of Eid 2021 is dependent on the sighting of the moon.
Dates of Eid and other Islamic months and events can vary by a day or so, depending on moon-sighting announcements from different countries.
Some countries follow the news from Saudi Arabia, while others look for confirmation from Morocco or other countries.
When is Eid 2021?
The Moon-sighting committee in Saudi Arabia has decided that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated tomorrow, Thursday, May 13.
The Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday, May 11, meaning Ramadan will last a full 30 days this year.
In the UK, the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC), which follows news from Saudi Arabia, has also declared Eid will fall on Thursday, May 13.
In a message to worshippers, GLMCC said: “The new moon of Shawwal has NOT been sighted therefore Eid will be celebrated on Thursday 13th May 2021.”
Astronomers had already predicted the moon would not be visible around the world on May 11.
UK astronomers at government agency HM Nautical Almanac Office did say that stargazers would be able to see the moon on May 12 from parts of the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia.
When the crescent moon is spotted, Eid falls on the next day – which in this case will be May 13.
However, other countries may still celebrate Eid on another date, depending on when the crescent is spotted.
Some parts of the world may not be able to see the crescent moon until May 13, and may decide to start Eid on Friday, May 14.
For example, it looks like Turkey will be celebrating Eid on May 13, but India and Pakistan will celebrate on May 14.
What is Eid?
Eid literally means “festival” or “feast” in Arabic, and Eid al-Fitr, or Eid ul-Fitr, is the “festival of breaking the fast”.
In the ninth month of the year, Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk.
Eid al-Fitr marks the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar.
Celebrations usually last for about three days. It’s a time where Muslims wear new clothes, decorate their homes, and spend time with friends and family.
The first day usually star with communal prayer, before gathering to celebrate with a banquet of sweet and savoury foods.
This usually involves specially-made sweets that are shared, and it’s common for gifts or money to be exchanged.
As well as indulging, Muslims are also encouraged to donate to charity.
It’s also common to wish each other “Eid Mubarak”, or “Blessed Eid”.
Muslims usually congregate in large groups, but big celebrations will no doubt be muted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
