Eid ul-Fitr 2018

6 years ago

Muslim Primary Education Board wishes all Muslim parents, pupils and teachers Eid Mubarak.  

This year Eid ul-Fitr will fall on Friday, 15 June 2018.

Eid ul-Fitr

Beginning at the start of the month of Shawwal – the tenth month of the lunar Islamic calendar – Eid-ul-Fitr or 'festival of the breaking of the fast' in Arabic, signals the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and is celebrated for three days.

While the fasting month is a symbol of sacrifice and purification, the fast-breaking ceremony of Eid aims at promoting love and brotherhood.  The day begins with an early hour bath (ghusl), after which Muslims put on their best or new clothes and eat dates before going to the special Eid prayer ceremonies in nearby mosques.

Interesting facts about Eid al-Fitr

• It is customary to eat breakfast before the special prayer of Eid, as Prophet Muhammad used to eat something sweet before offering his prayers.
• In Muslim countries, Eid is an official public holiday that lasts for three days
• As the crescent moon of Eid appears on different dates in different countries, many Muslim communities celebrate Eid on the day it appears over the sky above Mecca.
• The Eid prayer is different from the regular prayer known as Adhaan. The special prayer can be done anytime between the dawn and midday prayers.
• The Eid sweet delicacies are usually baklava, kataif, kanafe and other special and cultural variations of popular sweets.
• On the day, Muslim families and friends greet each other with "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) or Eid Said (Happy Eid).
• Children receive gifts in toys, clothing or/and money
• After praying in the mosque, people gather with friends and families, visiting each other and spending day in a joyous atmosphere.

Eid-ul Fitr is a true thanksgiving day, when Muslims show their appreciation for the health, strength and the opportunities of life, which Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadan.

To find out more about Islamic holidays, visit our page on Important Islamic Dates.