What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a very important time for Muslims and takes place throughout the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a religious tradition that is more than 1,400 years old.

 

Millions of Muslims across the globe take part by observing a month-long fast, between sunrise and sunset, as a way to devote themselves to their faith and grow closer to Allah. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam (the others are faith, prayer, charity, and pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca).

 

Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, charity and spending time with family and friends.

 

The exact timing of the beginning and end of Ramadan depends on the lunar calendar, so varies slightly from year to year.

 

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr, or Eid, is an important celebration marking the end of the month of fasting. It is also a time to give thanks to Allah for the Qu'ran. 

 

In Muslim countries, Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday. In the UK, Muslims may take the day off work or school to join in the celebrations. 

 

The festival day begins with the first sighting of the new moon at the beginning of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. This year, this will be either on Monday 2nd May or Tuesday 3rd.

 

Eid al-Fitr is a time for families, friends and neighbours to spend time together and share food.

 

People wear their best clothes, decorate their homes and celebrate with their family and friends.

 

Many people give money to those less fortunate, so they can also enjoy the day.

 

Communal celebration services are held in mosques and a special celebratory meal is eaten - the first daytime meal Muslims will have had in a month.

 

Eid Mubarak to all the members of the Hillcrest community who will be celebrating.