All over the world, and for the 1.6 billion Muslims the end of Ramadan marks the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important days in the Muslim calendar, although its significance is purely spiritual. This very important religious holiday is a day where Muslims thank Allah for the strength, the will and the endurance he gives them, during Ramadan. Eid is also a time of forgiveness, self-reflection and giving to charity (Zakat).
Celebrating Eid al-Fitr in the UK is a unique experience of its kind, because this country has a very large and varied population of Muslim faith. Muslims from the United Kingdom come from all corners of the world with all that it means in terms of cultures, traditions, backgrounds and rich histories. Which make this country a land where Muslims from Arab, African and Asian countries live in perfect harmony with their British fellow citizens, in peace, respect and well-being for everyone.
On the first morning of the celebration, many UK Muslims will proceed to a local mosque, community centre or park for the Eid prayer. During the journey to the mosque, and up until the start of the prayer, they recite Takbeer.
During Eid Festival, Muslims put on their finest clothes, and exchange gifts. They also prepare and share special foods, traditional sweet and savory treats. Gatherings will take place to mark the festival across the UK. In 2016, a record-breaking event north of London where over 400,000 Muslims celebrate Eid together, not to mention the 75,000 Muslims who turned up in a Birmingham park to celebrate the end of Ramadan. These events feature stalls selling foods from around the world, live music and children’s activities including face-painting, henna and storytelling.
Although Eid al-Fitr is not a recognised public holiday in the United Kingdom, many schools, businesses and organisations allow for at least a day's leave to be taken for religious celebrations.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has released a personal message to Muslims in London and around the world celebrating Eid where he said: "London's greatest strength is our diversity and the way we don't just tolerate, but respect and celebrate our different traditions and backgrounds”.
Allah (SWT) said in the Holy Quran: “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into races and tribes, so that you may identify one another. Surely the noblest of you, in Allah’s sight, is the one who is most pious of you. Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware“
According to Islamic Relief UK, it is expected that the Eid of the year 1445/2024 will correspond to 10 April 2024.
Assabile.com will inform you of the date of Eid Al-Fitr. May the blessing Of Allah (SWT) fill your life with happiness, success, and good health!
Written by: Ali Youssef
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