Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

For more than a billion Muslims around the world—including some 8
million in North America—Ramadan is a "month ofblessing" marked by
prayer, fasting, and charity. Ramadan focuses on self-sacrifice and
devotion to Allah (God).
Why this Month?
Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the
first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. Around 610 A.D., a
caravan trader named Muhammad took to wandering the desert nearMecca
(in today's Saudi Arabia) while thinking about his faith. One night a
voice called to him from the night sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who
told Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In the
days that followed, Muhammadfound himself speaking the verses that
would be transcribed as the Qur'an .
At many mosques during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Qur'an is
recited each night in prayers known as tarawih . In this way, by the
end ofthe month the complete scripture will have been recited.
Fasting
Muslims practice sawm , orfasting, for the entire month of Ramadan.
This means that they may eat or drink nothing, includingwater, while
the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam.
As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawmfrom
about age twelve.
During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during
the daylight hours. Families get up early for suhoor , a meal eaten
before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a
meal known as iftar . Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks
that provide a quick energy boost.
Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty,
Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an
opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind.
And inthis most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace
that comes fromspiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow
believers.
Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, whichin 2012 occurs on
Aug. 19. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is
one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs
after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress
in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and
decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends
and family.
A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although
charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have
special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a
close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the
poor and making contributions to mosques.

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.