Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 , Celebrations, Eid al-Fitr prayer, ZAKAT AL-FITR

  

WHAT IS EID AL-FITR?

Eid al-Fitr (Eid ul-Fitr) marks the end of the month of Ramadan, a period when Muslims around the world observe fasting, from dawn to dusk for a whole month. Taking place at the beginning of Shawwal, this Eid is a time for celebration with family and loved ones.

In the Islamic (Hijri) Calendar, there are two days out of the year dedicated to a celebration called Eid. The other Eid, Eid al-Adha, occurs on the 10th, 11th and 12 of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic year. 

WHEN IS EID AL-FITR 2024?

Eid al-Fitr is likely to take place on the evening of Tu
esday 9th April 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon. Unlike the more commonly used Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar operates on the lunar cycle. This means that all significant days in the Islamic calendar move forward approximately 11 days each year. Therefore, the sighting of the moon determines the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid. 

As with each day in the Islamic calendar, the next day begins after the Maghrib prayer (just after sunset) of the same day. Eid begins after the moon has been sighted. Therefore, the last day of fasting ends at Maghrib.

HOW DO MUSLIMS CELEBRATE EID AL-FITR?

Eid al-Fitr is a time of joy and celebration. A time when Muslims gather with family and friends, exchange gifts, share food and engage in other festivities.

Some of the common traditions associated with the blessed day include:

Eid prayer – Muslims gather in large congregations in mosques or open spaces to perform the Eid prayer, which is a special prayer consisting of two units (rak’ahs).

Eid al-Fitr prayer

Giving gifts – Muslims exchange gifts with family and friends, especially children, as a way of expressing love and gratitude.

Sharing food – Muslims prepare and share feasts with family and friends, often featuring traditional dishes and sweets.

Dressing one’s best – Muslims dress up in their best clothes, often traditional clothing, to mark the special occasion.

Visiting loved ones – Muslims visit relatives, friends, and neighbours to exchange greetings and share food and sweets.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ZAKAT AL-FITR

Zakat al-Fitr (also known as Fitrana) is a compulsory form of charity specific to Eid al-Fitr. Muslims must give it before the Eid prayer on the day of Eid.

This way, we can ensure the poor and needy of our Ummah around the world can also enjoy the festivities of Eid al-Fitr with loved ones. If one fails to give it before Eid prayer, then the payment is Sadaqah and the reward for it is lesser.

Zakat al-Fitr is mandatory for every adult Muslim with wealth beyond their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Typically, the head of the household gives the payment on behalf of all dependents, including children and elderly parents.

The amount of Zakat al-Fitr is typically equivalent to one saa (approximately 2.5 kg) of food per person. It can be given in the form of food, such as wheat, barley, dates or raisins. You can also give money equivalent to the value of these food items.

WHERE TO PAY ZAKAT AL-FITR

At Islamic Relief, your Zakat al-Fitr is connected to thousands of communities around the world, granting families and children the means to enjoy their Eid al-Fitr free from hardship.

By giving your Zakat al-Fitr through Islamic Relief, you can help make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need, on Eid and in the future to come.