Ramadan 2022 – Eid Mubarak

Eid signals the end of Ramadan, a time when Muslims gather with friends and family to share good food in good company, and to reflect on their achievements over the previous month of fasting.?

It’s a time to promote family, love and brotherhood, to strengthen the bonds between Muslims, and to invite them back to normality.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is thought to have begun in Medina after the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca, having been violently expelled from the city of his birth once he broadcasted the Islamic faith.

The festival begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon, signalling the end of the previous month and the start of the next (Islam uses a lunar calendar).?

As Ramadan is an actual month in the Islamic calendar, the first sighting of the crescent moon signals the end of this Holy month and the end of fasting. It is celebrated for one to three days depending on the country and culture, and it is, in fact, forbidden to fast on these days. This is to ensure that Muslims do not impose any further hardship on themselves.

Eid al-Fitr is typically observed as a public holiday in Islamic countries.

The crescent moon signals the end of the month of Ramadan and the beginning of the month Shawwal, the first days of which are Eid al-Fitr.

What happens on Eid al-Fitr?

In the mornings of the festival, Muslims will attend their community Mosque to say a special group prayer. After the prayer, people are instructed to provide some form of charitable donation that will be distributed among the poor and needy of society. This act of charity is called Zakat-ul-fitr.

On returning home, some believe they should take a new route to follow in Prophet Muhammad's footsteps as he traversed the desert between Mecca and Medina. Once home, Muslims will celebrate by wearing their best clothes, eating and sharing traditional foods, and exchanging gifts with loved ones. Passers-by will be called out with the phrase "Eid Mubarak" (blessed celebration), as Muslims expand their celebration to include neighbours and strangers, further extending societal bonds

Saying goodbye to Ramadan 2022

Though this Holy month has come to its end, I hope that the spirit of unity and openness continues for the rest of the year.?

For those that have fasted, I pray that your fasts and your Ramadan are accepted, and I wish everyone a blessed Eid al-Fitr and hope that it brings you joy and fresh life.