Eid al Fitr

Eid al Fitr is a significant Muslim festival that 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.