The first of the two Muslim festivals in the Islamic Calendar, celebrated by over 1.6 billion people from all corners of the world, is set to fall in approximately 10 days. Marking the end of the blessed month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is a day of thanks, feasts and festivity.
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As a lunar calendar, the months in the Islamic calendar begin and end with the new crescent moon. As such, most countries rely on their own moon sightings to determine the beginning of Ramadan and the day of Eid. Some countries set the date based on astronomical calculations as well. Although there are differences in calculations and sighting of the first day of the next month of Shawaal, they tend to only vary by a day and at most by 2. This year most countries are expected to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on the 17th of July, which also happens to be a Friday.
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia sights the moon specifically for the months of Ramadan, Shawaal and Dhul-Hijjah. In Saudi Arabia, Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on July the 17th. Further to this day of celebration, according to Emirates247, this year there is to be a twelve-day holiday up until July the 28th. UAE According to the Sharjah Planetarium calculations, Ramadan in the UAE is expected to be 30 days with Eid falling on Friday, July 17th. In this case, Emirates 247 has confirmed there would be a two-day holiday for the private sector, Friday and Saturday. Singapore The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore calculates the expected Eid day in advance. In 2015, Eid al-Fitr in Singapore is set to fall on the 17th July, and is already designated as a public holiday in Singapore. Malaysia and Indonesia With Eid al-Fitr expected on July 17th, both the Friday and Saturday will be public holidays in Malaysia and Indonesia. MABIMS, which is an informal meeting of religious ministries of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, does some coordination to align the day of Eid al-Fitr among these countries.
Pakistan In Pakistan the new moon is expected to be sighted on July 17th, with Eid hence taking place on the following day on the 18th. Regardless, The News Tribe broke the news that the nation will enjoy a five-day holiday from July 17th to July 21st. India Like Pakistan, Eid al-Fitr in India is expected to take place on July 18th.
UK Muslims in the UK are expected to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Friday the 17th of July. USA and Canada The Fiqh Council of North America has announced that Eid al-Fitr in both the US and Canada will also be taking place on July 17th. Please note that all dates are subject to change based on moon sightings in some countries. Share with us your thoughts and experiences of Eid al-Fitr!
Cover Image Credit: matin firouzabadi on Unsplash
