Lots of our students celebrated the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr this week.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Ramadan fast, and festivities can be held for up to three days.

Fasting at Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam – the fundamental rules that all Muslims follow – along with the Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity) and the Hajj pilgrimage.

The holiday marks the end of the fast, and festivities can be held for up to three days. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawwal, which follows Ramadan as the 10th month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar.

Its name comes from an Arabic term that translates as the “feast of breaking the fast”, and although not a public holiday in the UK, it is in many Muslim countries.

It marks the end of Ramadan and was originated by the prophet Muhammad. It is one of two global festivals celebrated by Muslims every year, the other being Eid al-Adha, which falls later in the summer and honours Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

It is seen as a spiritual celebration of Allah’s gift of strength and endurance. It is a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, and people are expected to give and show kindness.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country. Fasting is forbidden on the Day of Eid, in contrast to the 30 days that came before.

Eid celebrations will begin with prayers at dawn, which usually take place at a mosque.

The holy day is heavily focused on family and friends, with many in the community meeting up to share food and stories.

People perform Zakat al-fitr, and give to the poor – be it donating money, food or time.

When is Eid al-Fitr 2022?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

It begins once the new crescent moon appears in the sky, and ends after 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon cycle. This means dates vary around the world.

In the UK, Ramadan began on the evening of 2 April lasted until 1 May.  Eid al-Fitr begins in the same way as Ramandan – with the sighting of the new crescent moon, beginning the 10th month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.