On Wednesday evening the exterior facade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up green as part of Birmingham's Eid celebrations.

Eid al-Fitr is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam, the other being Eid al-Adha. This religious holiday is observed by Muslims worldwide as it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities.

According to Muslim tradition, Eid al-Fitr was established by the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Certain traditions suggest that these festivals were initiated in Medina after Muhammad's migration from Mecca. Anas, a well-known companion of the Islamic prophet, narrated that upon Muhammad's arrival in Medina, he found people celebrating 2 specific days with recreation and merriment. Muhammad remarked that God had fixed 2 days of festivity: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon.

If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month, either because clouds block its view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets, then the holiday is celebrated the following day.

Fasting on the Day of Eid is forbidden, and a specific prayer is chosen for this day.

As a required act of charity, money is paid to the poor and needy (Zakat-ul-fitr) before performing the Eid prayer.

Article posted: 9 April 2024