When is Eid al-Fitr in2012?

Eid al-Fitr in 2012 is on Sunday, the 19th of August .
Note that in the Muslim calander, a holiday beginson the sunset of the
previous day, so observing Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on
thesunset of Saturday, the 18th of August .
Although Eid al-Fitr is always on the same day of the Islamic
calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year,
since the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar and the Islamic
calendar is a lunar calendar. This difference means Eid al-Fitr moves
inthe Gregorian calendar approximately 11 days every year. The date of
Eidal-Fitr may also vary from country to country depending on whether
the moon has been sighted or not.
The dates provided here are based on the dates adopted by the Fiqh
Council of North America for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Note that
these dates are based on astronomical calculations to affirm each
date, and not on the actual sighting of the moon with the naked eyes.
This approachis accepted by many, but is still being hotly debated.

Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal)

The first Eid was celebrated in 624 CE by the Prophet Muhammad with
his friends and relatives after the victory of the battle of
Jang-e-Badar.
Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting , but thanking
Allah for the help and strength that he gave them throughout the
previous month to help them practise self-control .
The festival begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky.
Muslims in most countriesrely on news of an official sighting, rather
than looking at the sky themselves.
The celebratory atmosphere is increased by everyone wearing bestor new
clothes, and decorating their homes.
There are special services out of doors and in mosques , processions
through the streets, and of course, a special celebratory meal - eaten
during daytime, the first daytime meal Muslims will have had in a
month.
Eid is also a time of forgiveness, and making amends.

How is Eid al-Fitr Celebrated?

During the month of Ramadan , Muslims observe a strict fast and
participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and
peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who
observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world
observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the
Festival of Fast-Breaking).
Answer: Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal , the month
which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in
charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the
completion of a month of blessings and joy.
Before the day of Eid, during the last few days ofRamadan, each Muslim
family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This
donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates, rice, etc. --
toensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the
celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of
fast-breaking).
On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor
locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a
sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.
After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family
and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls
to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday. These
activities traditionally continue for three days. In most
Muslimcountries, the entire 3-day period is an official
government/school holiday.

1c] When Should Eid Al-Adha Be Celebrated?

1c]
The same theme of unity is described in the Holy Qura'an:
"And obey Allah and His Messenger, and dispute not with one another,
otherwise you will showtimidity, and your tied strength will depart
from you, and be patient." 8:46 (Sura Al-Anfal, Verse 46)
Unity never means to disregard and disrespect Shariah and in the name
of unity, observe Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr, and Eid Al-Adha whenever we
please. Observing Eid without any evidence or starting Ramadan
withoutevidence of Shariah so that the unity would be maintained is
completely against the rulings of the Qura'an and Hadith.
We humbly request our Muslim brothers to not waste their 'Ibaadat
(Rituals). Please do not ignore the obviously clearcommands and
injunctions of Allah and his Apostle and become guilty in the eyes of
Allah and his Apostle. When you see the Moon, start the month; and if
you can not see the Moon (for any reason), wait for an acceptable
witness according Shariah. If the witness is up to the standards of
the rules of Shariah, then the new month starts. Otherwise, as the
Noble Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) instructed, complete the thirty (30)
days. Saudi Arabia's prominent scholar Abdul Azeez bin Baaz himself,
in his Fatawa (Verdict), ordered:
"The most trusted and authentic source of Moon sighting for a town is
a local one." [Further, he says,] "Some people think that the whole
world should follow the Moon sighting of Mecca, Saudi Arabia and make
it the base of their Ramadan and Eid judgment. However, in the pure
formof Shariah, there is neitherany proof of it, nor is there any
origin to this." (Al-Baath Al-Islami, Zel-Hijjah 1399 Hijri)
We surrender ourselves inthe supplication to Allah: May He give the
Muslims the ability to obey and follow the pure form of Shariah to the
fullest. Aameen; Bejahe Habeebihee Sayyedil Mursaleen (Peace Be
UponHim)./