The fasting month of Ramadan is drawing to a close for Muslims in Nigeria and across the world, which means Eid al-Fitr is upon us.
In Nigeria, like Saudi Arabia Eid is a significant public holiday, so the sighting of the moon which marks the festival’s beginning is a major event. Here’s what you need to know…
Eid al-Fitr officially begins with the sighting of the new moon after sunset, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Islam follows a lunar rather than a solar calendar – with the Eid festival falling on the first day of the 10th month of Shawwal. Many mark the new month only by seeing the crescent moon in the sky – with other Muslims following suit. This year most Muslims will be observing the start of Eid on Friday, June 15, after the moon was finally officially sighted in Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening. Eid begins the month of Shawwal, which starts with a feast to end the period of fasting during Ramadan.
What is Eid al-Fitr? Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting that started on May 16 this year. The celebration is a public holiday in Nigeria and many Muslim countries. During Eid, Muslims will often purchase new clothes for the occasion and take part in festivals and celebrations. Many will wake up early to pray at a mosque or outdoor prayer venue, while gifts and cards are often exchanged among friends and family. Eid means “celebration” and Mubarak means “blessed”, with “Eid Mubarak” often used as a greeting over this period.
Is there another Eid celebration in the calendar? As well as Eid al-Fitr, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, which is expected to take place on Tuesday, August 21, this year. It falls in the middle of the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar. The celebration revolves around when Allah appeared to Ibrahim in a dream and asked him to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as a sign of his faith.
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