When is Eid al-Fitr 2021?

THE Islamic festival Eid al-Fitr is one of the biggest celebrations in the the Muslim calendar.

After Muslims have observed the fasting month of Ramadan, they celebrate breaking their fast on Eid in a spectacular fashion. But what date does Eid al-Fitr fall on in 2021 year?

When is Eid al-Fitr 2021?

Eid al-Fitr this year falls on Wednesday 12 May and Thursday 13 May.

The date changes annually according to the lunar calendar.

While the celebration comes around a month after the beginning of Ramadan, the date also depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.

The moon will not be visible at the same time across the world, so countries will celebrate the occasion over two days.

Eid starts the day after the sighting of a crescent moon, indicting that the following night would see a new moon, thus kick-starting the month of Shawwal – this begins with a feast to end the period of fasting.

However, some Muslims do observe six days of fasting during Shawwal (the day after Eid) – as this period is considered equivalent to fasting all year round.

It is believed that good deeds are rewarded ten times in Islam and so to fast for the 30 days during Ramadan and a further six days during Shawwal fulfils the obligation of fasting for the entire year.

The celebration of Eid is a public holiday in many Muslim countries, but is not one in the UK, despite a campaign for it to be recognised back in 2014.

What time will Ramadan end? (few pars then add bullet points for a some places in UK and US)

According to the Ramadan timetable of Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) in Birmingham, Tuesday May 11 will be the 29th day and Wednesday May 12 the 30th day.

Ramadan will end on either of those days, depending on a verified moon sighting.

• UK astronomical predictions suggest that no sightings of the first crescent of the new moon are likely on May 11 anywhere in the world.
• A telescopic sighting is possible on Wednesday, May 12 from parts of the Middle East.
• Saudi Arabia forecasts that Eid – and thus the first day of Shawwal – will fall on May 13.
• In the US, Eid is also forecast to fall on May 13.

How will it be celebrated this year?

During Eid, Muslims will often purchase new clothes for the occasion, and take part in festivals and celebrations, although these may not go ahead this year as planned.

In usual years, many will wake up early to pray at a mosque or outdoor prayer venue.

Gifts and cards are often exchanged among friends and family.

Eid means “celebration” and Mubarak means “blessed”, often Eid Mubarak is used as a greeting over this period.

However, this year due to the coronavirus pandemic celebrations will be slightly different.

The Muslim Council of Britain’s advice reads: “With COVID19 lockdown easing still ongoing, 2021 Ramadan will be a very different experience for British Muslims.

“Whilst restrictions will be more relaxed compared to 2020, many of the usual practices normally observed such as going to the mosque for iftar and visiting friends and family indoors will sadly still not be possible this year.”