Happy Eid al-Fitr from Nailsea Town council!

We wish you all peace, love, and joy during this special occasion. Celebrating with our Muslim friends.

The Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is being celebrated by Muslims around the world today, with family reunions, new clothes and sweet treats.

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the festival of breaking the fast, marks the end of Ramadan for Muslims around the world. Here’s how they celebrate this joyous occasion.

Sighting of the Crescent Moon
The close of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon above Saudi Arabia. This marks the official start of Eid-al-Fitr. The dates vary each year according to the lunar calendar, and some regions may begin their celebrations slightly later than others based on local moon cycles.

Gathering with Family and Friends
Eid is a time for togetherness. Families and friends come together to exchange warm greetings of “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid). They share meals, exchange gifts, and engage in charitable acts.

Eid Prayer at the Mosque
On Eid morning, Muslims wake up early, don their best clothes, and head to the mosque to perform a special congregational prayer. It’s a moment of spiritual connection and community.

Reflection and Self-Improvement
Eid follows the month of fasting during Ramadan. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity during daylight hours. Ramadan is a time for reflection, purification of the soul, self-discipline, and devotion to Allah. Many see the physical sacrifices of Ramadan as an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Feasting and Special Dishes
After the Eid prayer, families gather for a festive feast. Special dishes are prepared, and relatives come together to celebrate. The food is a highlight of the day, and the flavours are truly amazing.

Continuing Virtues
Muslims aim to continue the virtues practiced during Ramadan even after Eid. Some may choose to fast for the six days following Eid as an additional act of devotion.

Remember, Eid is a time of joy, gratitude, and celebration—a moment to cherish the bonds of family, community, and faith.

Almost four million Muslims in Britain began their celebrations today after the first sighting of the new crescent moon, bringing to an end their month of fasting.

Muslim countries saw the streets of their capital cities flooded with worshippers, with stunning images showing crowds of tens of thousands gathering to celebrate the holiday together in Cairo, where flares were set off in jubilant scenes.

But the usually joyous celebrations have been far more muted in many parts of the Muslim world, with the holiday overshadowed for many by the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza as the war grinds on.

Sources:
Mailonline

BBC Newsbeat

National Geographic