Eid al Fitr

Eid-al-Fitr History

Eid al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is known as the 'Festival of Fast-Breaking', celebrated as a token of gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete the rigorous fast. The observance revolves around many rituals, including communal prayer at the local mosque, giving of 'Zakat al-Fitr', a form of alms, and enjoying extensive feast with family and friends. It is a time of rejoicing, brotherhood, charity, and purification.

There is no specific history of this festival linked to the United Kingdom as Eid al Fitr originated in the Arabian Peninsula by Muhammad, the founder of Islam, in 624 CE. Nonetheless, its observance has become more visible as the Muslim population in the UK grows. For the Muslim community in the UK, abiding by the values of Eid al Fitr — compassion, gratitude, and solidarity is essential, and these values also resonate well with wider society. Special Eid events organised across the UK, such as food festivals, craft fairs and carnivals, play a key part in promoting multiculturalism, enhancing community integration, and minimizing cultural misconceptions.

Eid al Fitr is observed in the UK in a similar way to other parts of the world. The celebration begins with communal prayers at local mosques or prayer grounds, followed by the giving of charity. Feasts involving traditional foods and sweets, shared with family and friends, are a key feature of the occasion. This festival is determined by the lunar Islamic calendar and thus varies each year. However, the celebration is typically held at the end of Ramadan after the sighting of the new moon. Given the significant Muslim diaspora in the UK, the cultural richness of the Eid festival adds great vibrancy to British multicultural society.

Facts about Eid al Fitr

• Prophet Muhammad asked the Muslims of Madinah about two carnivals that they used to engage in. They replied that before Islam, celebrating by setting up grand carnivals was traditional. It is reported that Muhammad said, Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha. (Book of Hadith).
• In accordance with Islamic tradition, many Muslims wake up extra early on Eid-al-Fitr to take a bath, called ghusl. They also wear the best clothing they own.
• One of the most prominent celebrations in the UK is held in London's Trafalgar Square, where thousands of people gather to celebrate Eid together. It is a festival that has been celebrated in London for many years, in an attempt to make the event mainstream.
• Muslims in the UK also celebrate Eid by wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts and sending greetings of ‘Eid Mubarak’ to their loved ones.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Eid al Fitr

Top things to do in the UK for Eid-al-Fitr

• In Islamic South Asian communities, sheer khorma is typically made for breakfast. Sheer khorma is a sweet milky dish with broken vermicelli pasta, dried fried dates, and roasted nuts.
• Women often decorate their hands with beautiful henna designs on Eid-al-Fitr. In the United States, many Islamic centers have henna booths set up on the last night of Ramadan.
• Visit the Regents Park Mosque: As the largest mosque in London, tourists and locals come to participate in Eid prayers and services which are open to everyone.
• Attend Eid Festival at Trafalgar Square: Normally hosted by the Mayor of London, this hugely popular event showcases the Muslim culture through a festival filled with music, food, live performances, and family-friendly activities.