Discover when Eid Al Fitr 2024 falls and its significance. Learn about celebrations, traditions, and dates worldwide. Find out more.
Eid Al Fitr 2024
As Ramadan nears its end, Muslims worldwide prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. This festival marks both the conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal – two important Islamic lunar months.
Eid al-Fitr is expected to start this year on April 10 (April 8 by Gregorian Calendar), lasting three or more days and providing government and private sector employees a lovely nine-day holiday!
What is Eid al Fitr?
Eid al Fitr is one of two major Islamic celebrations that mark the conclusion of Ramadan, commemorating God’s request that Ibrahim sacrifice Ismail as a test of his faith – when this request was declined by Ismail himself, God offered an animal instead. Muslims slaughter an animal each year in memory of this event.
Eid is a time for gathering with family, friends and the wider community and giving thanks. On Eid it is traditional to donate an amount known as Zakat al-Fitr – this donation obligation for Muslims helps those less fortunate than themselves.
Eid al-Fitr is an important holiday for Muslims around the world and an opportunity for many of them to take a break from work and travel – last year in Indonesia alone, thousands packed onto trains, ferries and buses in order to celebrate with their families at home.
Eid al-Fitr can vary each year as its date depends on the Islamic calendar which advances approximately 11 days each year. Astronomers have predicted that countries which began Ramadan on Monday, March 11 should expect a crescent moon to become visible by Tuesday April 9 – making Ramadan 30 days long this year.
What is Eid al Adha?
Eid al Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Muslim celebrations. This festival remembers Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him) being willing to sacrifice his son Ismail on God’s command; at the last moment though, Jibril intervened and offered instead a ram. Eid al Adha celebrates God’s unwavering grace and boundless compassion while reminding us to share and care for others regardless of religion or background.
Eid Al Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic calendar. Exact dates vary each year as Islamic calendar dates are lunar-based and depend upon sighting of crescent moon.
Muslims not performing Hajj will typically spend their Hajj day visiting family and friends, feasting together and giving gifts to those less fortunate than themselves. Many also celebrate by sacrificing an animal (usually sheep or goat) and sharing its meat among family, friends and those in need.
Eid al Adha is celebrated with much joy and festivity. This occasion provides us with the chance to reflect upon God’s mercifulness while celebrating the love, brotherhood and unity among peoples from around the globe.
When is Eid al Fitr 2024?
As Muslim holidays are determined by lunar calculations, their dates can change from year to year depending on when a crescent moon can be sighted after each new month has started. Due to solar eclipse, its sighting may be delayed and therefore alter the date of Eid al Fitr celebrations.
Ramadan this year began on Sunday evening, March 10. It will likely end by sundown on Monday April 8th with Eid al Fitr taking place either 29 or 30 days later, depending on its length.
UK Muslim communities comprise around 2.8 million individuals or 4.8% of its total population. While most live in London, significant communities can also be found in Birmingham, Bradford, Blackburn and Luton.
People living in these regions will likely gather together to celebrate Eid al Fitr with family and friends, enjoying a large meal consisting of meat dishes, breads, and sweets. After dining comes an optional short break and then afternoon prayers. As Muslims it is important that during Eid al Fitr they refrain from drinking alcohol as this can lead to sinful actions as well as illegality in many Muslim nations.
Where is Eid al Fitr 2024?
Those wishing to find out when Eid al Fitr 2024 occurs should consult with local astronomical centers and Islamic authorities, since its dates depend on lunar months and may differ depending on where you reside. Eid al Fitr typically occurs around mid-June as a public holiday with schools and businesses closing on that date.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has ordered that Ramadan will end and Eid al-Fitr will begin on Wednesday due to moon sighting in Saudi Arabia which sets the global date of Eid. This announcement follows previous decisions of similar court rulings around the world.
India observes Eid one day later than Saudi Arabia due to time differences. If a new crescent appears tomorrow in Saudi Arabia, India will celebrate Eid on Thursday April 11th.
Eid al Fitr 2024 will likely take place in the United States on Wednesday, April 10. Muslims will gather together for Eid prayers and spend time with family and friends during this joyous celebration, giving Zakat al-Fitr as part of our religious obligation towards those in need. Eid al Fitr also serves as an opportunity for community building; non-Muslims can gain insight into Muslim culture and religion during Eid al Fitr.