April 8th 2024.
As another year passes, the Muslim community eagerly awaits the end of Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting and devotion. This year, on Sunday, March 10, they embarked on this spiritual journey, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset and dedicating themselves to prayer and good deeds. And now, as we approach the end of Ramadan 2024, the anticipation for Eid al-Fitr, the 'Holiday of Breaking the Fast', is at its peak.
Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion that marks the end of the holy month. It is celebrated with up to three days of special prayers, acts of charity, and of course, delicious food and drink. Many Muslims also take this opportunity to decorate their homes and gather with loved ones to partake in the festivities together.
However, the date of Eid al-Fitr is not fixed and varies from year to year. This is because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, and the festival begins with the sighting of the crescent moon by religious authorities. This year, it is expected to start on Tuesday, April 9 or Wednesday, April 10, ushering in the month of Shawwal.
But why are there two Eids? Well, 'Eid' simply means a Muslim festival, and in the Islamic calendar, there are two major occasions that are celebrated as such. Eid al-Fitr, the first and smaller of the two, commemorates the end of Ramadan and the spiritual growth that comes with it. It is said to have been initiated by the prophet Muhammad after he migrated from Mecca to Medina and noticed that people there celebrated two specific dates.
Eid al-Adha, on the other hand, has a different significance. Translated as the 'Feast of the Sacrifice', it honors the story of Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in the name of God. As the story goes, God provided Ibrahim with a lamb to sacrifice instead, and this is why during Eid al-Adha, many Muslims ritually sacrifice animals as a symbol of their faith.
Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, and is a four-day celebration. Along with the tradition of eating meat, prayers are offered, sweets and gifts are exchanged, and families come together in their finest attire. This year, Eid al-Adha is expected to take place around June 16, 2024.
As we look forward to these special occasions, let us remember the true essence of Eid - to celebrate faith, unity, and love for one another. And if you have a story to share about your Eid experience, we would love to hear it. Get in touch by emailing us at email. Let us spread the joy and warmth of this beautiful tradition.
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