Eid-al-Fitr in United Kingdom

Many Muslims in the United Kingdom (UK) celebrate Eid al-Fitr (also known as Id al-Fitr or Eid ul-Fitr) on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan and the start of a feast that lasts up to three days in some countries.

Special foods are prepared and friends or relatives are invited to share the feast during Eid al-Fitr. Stockphoto.com/Burak Pekakcan

What do people do?

Eid al-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday for Muslim communities across the United Kingdom. This event involves many Muslims waking up early and praying either at an outdoor prayer ground or a mosque. People dress in their finest clothes and adorn their homes with lights and other decorations.

Old wrongs are forgiven and money is given to the poor. Special foods are prepared and friends or relatives are invited to share the feast. Gifts and greeting cards are exchanged and children receive presents.  Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion but its underlying purpose is to praise God and give thanks to him, according to Islamic belief.

Eid in the Square has been annually held in London to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, bringing diverse communities, families and friends together in recent years. It features live entertainment, stalls, exhibitions, prayer marquees, and a children's play area. Some cultural heritage centres may host festivities associated with Eid al-Fitr. Many Muslim communities throughout the UK, including in Scotland, also organize their own festivities for this occasion.

Public life

Eid al-Fitr is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. However, many Islamic businesses and organizations may alter their business hours during this event. There may be some congestion around mosques around this time of the year. 

Background

Eid al-Fitr is also known as the Feast of Fast-Breaking or the Lesser Feast. It marks the end of Ramadan and the start of a feast that lasts up to three days in some countries, such as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. It is one of Islam's two major festivals, with Eid al-Adha being the other major festival. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of the fasting that occurs during Ramadan.  

It is not possible to predict the date of Eid al-Fitr according to the Gregorian calendar accurately. This is because the month of Shawwal begins, and hence the month of Ramadan ends, after a confirmed sighting of the new moon. The new moon may be sighted earlier or later in specific locations. Hence, Muslims in different parts of the world may begin the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations on different dates.