This year's Eid ul Fitr is set to arrive this week, as the moon plays a big part in the Islamic festival.
During the Islamic Calendar, the sighting of the new crescent moon marks the beginning of the month. Astronomy is very important forIslamicevents and festivals, including Ramadan andEid.
In total, it takes 29.5 days for the moon to pass through each of its phases. However, it is not practical to have half a day in a month, so in an Islamic month, there can be either 29 or 30 days.
Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days it cannot last longer than 30 days. This means if no moon is sighted on Thursday, Eid will automatically fall on Saturday.
The amount of days in a month depends on when the new moon is visible. How visible the new crescent is varied across the world - similarly to sunset and sunrise times - so not everyone will be able to see it at the same time.
Saudi Arabia has confirmed it will celebrate Eid on Friday, April 21. Other countries have said they will celebrate it a day after on Saturday, April 22.
We'll bring all the latest updates on who sees the moon where and when, if at all, and all the Eid announcements as they happen in our live blog below.
Key Events
Eid ul-Fitr 2023 date for Egypt
Egypt's Dar al-Ifta - an Islamic governmental advisory body - said that Eid ul Fitr will start on Friday, April 21.
The country's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said public sector holidays for Eid will run from April 20 to April 25.
Prime minister's message for Eid ul-Fitr 2023
Prime minister Rishi Sunak said: "As Ramadan comes to an end, I would like to send my warmest wishes to Muslims in the UK and around the world as they mark Eid al Fitr. Eid is a timely opportunity to acknowledge the shared values which bind us together, particularly your compassion and dedication to contribute to charity and philanthropy.
"This was evident earlier this year, through the community’s outstanding response to support the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. As families and friends come together to celebrate, I pay tribute to the incredible contribution the Muslim community makes to the country.
"Whether it be in business, sports, media, our public services, or of course our NHS and armed forces, British Muslims are helping to make the country the success it is. Eid Mubarak to everyone observing it today. I look forward to welcoming representatives from the British Muslim community to Downing Street to celebrate."
Eid weather forecast for Yorkshire
With Saudia Arabia announcing Eid ul-Fitr will take place tomorrow, thousands of Muslims across Yorkshire will head out to celebrate.
The weather forecast, according to the Met Office, predicts rain with risks of thunder.
It says: "Cloudy with rain spreading northwards through the late morning and afternoon. Further showers, heavy with risk of thunder, pushing inland from Friday evening.
"Breezy once again and feeling rather cool. Maximum temperature 11C."
Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait confirm Eid ul-Fitr date
Eid has also been declared in Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait following the sighting of the crescent moon meaning it will be celebrated on Friday, April 21.
What does Eid-ul-Fitr mean?
The word "Eid" means "festival" or "feast" in Arabic.
"Eid-ul-Fitr" means "Festival of Fast Breaking" and is celebrated by Muslims all around the world.
This year, it will fall on April 21 or 22, depending on the country.
Why is Eid celebrated on different days around the world?
Islam uses a calendar based on the moon cycles which means Ramadan starts when the new moon first appears in the night sky and ends as the moon wanes to the other side.
Due to this, countries around the world will report the sighting at different times, meaning Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on different days.
Saudi Arabia has confirmed the crescent moon sighting and said Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, April 21.
Meanwhile, other countries such as Japan, Australia and India, will celebrate the day after on Saturday, April 22.
Eid ul-Fitr 2023 date confirmed in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has announced Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, April 21, with many in the UK expected to also celebrate Eid on the same date after the moon sighting in the country.
Eid will be celebrated on Friday Saudia Arabia says
The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, April 21.
Saudi Arabia's astronomers head to moon observation points
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court, which will announce the official results of the search for the Eid moon, has sent official observers to Sudair, Tumair, Riyadh and other cities. Results from Sudair and Tumair are relied on as the final say.
The main sighting committee is in Sudair, which is said to have ideal elevation and weather for moon visibility.
Turkey declares Friday first day of Eid
Turkey declared that Friday, April 21, will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
A number of countries announced that Saturday, April 22, will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
beplay官网手机登陆文莱、印度尼西亚、马来西亚、澳大利亚、法国、Thailand, Singapore, and Japan confirmed this.
Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) announced that Friday, April 21, will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
Japan and Malaysia confirm Eid 2023 date
Muslims in Japan and Malaysia have been given the date for Eid ul Fitr 2023.
The moon-sighting committee of Japan announced that Eid will be on Saturday, April 22, after the moon was not sighted on April 20. It said it follows the rulings of Islamic authorities in Malaysia, where Eid is also on April 22.
Celebrations to be held at Leeds Grand Mosque
Some families travel from Birmingham and Bradford just to come to the Leeds Grand Mosque to celebrate Eid.
Dr Omar Tabbaa, chairman of the mosque, said the mosque is hopeful of having a big celebration this year.
“We hope to adopt back to our full capacity before the covid 19 restrictions and we will have three Eid prayers”, he said.
“After the prayer, we will serve some coffee and tea and we distribute toys to all children and they play for hours and hours in the mosque.
beplay官网手机登陆“我们的工作人员和志愿者的工作throughout the time and make sure everyone is safe and there are no hazards.”
How is Eid celebrated?
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the very next day at the end of Ramadan so Muslims are required to not continue their fast on this day.
Some people tend to buy new clothes just for the occasion, but those who can't afford them are expected to make an effort to look well-dressed.
After this, families will gather together and enjoy breakfast before attending the Eid prayer at the Mosque.
An Eid prayer is held by an Imam - a Muslim spiritual leader and everyone is urged to participate in Eid prayers, including children. After this, it is time to feast.
How to wish someone a happy Eid
During Eid one of the most common greetings you will hear is Eid Mubarak!
Directly translated, this means "blessed feast" or "blessed festival", and is a popular way of expressing celebrations to family and friends.
It's polite to respond by saying Khair Mubarak, which is a way of wishing someone good will.
This can be said at the end of a fuller greeting, here are some suggestions:
"May the God Almighty open the doors of happiness for you and fulfil all your dreams. Eid Mubarak!"
"May the God Almighty show you on the right path and help you in every step of your life. Eid Mubarak!"
"May the God Almighty bless you today, tomorrow and always. Eid Mubarak!"
"May Allah gives you a million reasons to stay happy. Eid Mubarak!"
"On this special occasion of Eid, may Allah answers all your prayers. Eid Mubarak!"
Malaysia and Australia announce Eid will take place on Saturday
Australia has officially announced that Eid ul Fitr 2023 will fall on Saturday, April 22.
Malaysia is also expected to celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2023 on April 22, according to astronomical projections from the United Kingdom’s HM Nautical Almanac Office
Australia announces Eid 2023 date
Australia has officially announced that Eid ul Fitr 2023 will fall on Saturday, April 22.
"The Australian Fatwa Council is pleased to announce to the Australian Muslim community the following: Friday, 21st of April 2023, will be the last day of the Month of Ramadan 1444AH," the council said. "The day of Eid ul Fitr will on Saturday, 22nd of April."
Eid date for India
Eid ul Fitr in India will be on Saturday, April 22, or Sunday, April 23, reports are saying.
Indian news site RepublicWorld says the sighting of the Shawwal moon in Saudi Arabia will determine the date of the festival, meaning India will not be looking for the moon in its own skies.
Sheffield Eid Festival
InSheffield, students from Longley Park Sixth Form will be hosting an Eid Festival. It is happening at their base in Horninglow Road on Wednesday, May 4 between 3pm and 5pm. You can expect music, food and drinks, sports competitions, games, workshops and stalls raising money for charity.
All the Eid celebrations across Yorkshire
We’ve taken a look at some of the Eid celebrations happening acrossYorkshire.
Eid al Fitr, also known as Eid ul-Fitr, is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar. The name of the festival means the festival of breaking the fast.
Read the full list of eventshere.
Astronomer gives Saudi Arabia Eid prediction
Although other data suggests there will be no moon visibility in the country, the president of the Astronomical Society in Jeddah says it will be possible to see the crescent using a CCD camera.
The moon will be above the horizon at a height of 04 degrees, and the elongation or the angle that separates the moon from the sun is 05 degrees, and its illumination is 0.2 percent.
Eid date changes every year
The date of Eid al-Fitr changes every year because Muslims use the Hajri calendar which is governed by the time the moon takes to go through each of its lunar phases.
Therefore, this means Ramadan and Eid are not fixed in the Gregorian Calendar. In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr always falls on the first day of Shawwal, which is the tenth month.
World map shows moon-sighting possibilities
The new moon was 'born' early today and a map shows where it is possible to see it across the world.
Astronomical data says there will be no moon visibility in the UK, Saudi Arabia or Morocco, in particular, but the map shows the large area of the globe (in dark grey) where it can't be seen by telescope, binoculars or the naked eye.
Eid ul Fitr will be on 22nd April, 2023.pic.twitter.com/Onvb7UqbG9
— Ahmad (@AhmadSpeakss)April 20, 2023
Forecasts in Rabat
On Thursday (April 20), the moon will not be visible. On Friday (April 21), the moon will be much more visible. Sunset is expected to occur at 7.03pm, while moonset will be at 8.44pm (local times).
On Saturday (April 22), the moon will be visible again, with sunset at 7.04pm and moonset at 9.50pm (local times).
Forecasts in Mecca
The time difference between the UK and Mecca is two hours ahead from us. On Thursday (April 20), the moon will not be visible. On Friday (April 21), the moon will be much more visible.
Sunset is expected to occur at 6.42pm, while moonset will be at 8.05pm (local times). On Saturday (April 22), the moon will be visible again, with sunset at 6.43pm and moonset at 9.05pm (local times).
Unknown date could frustrate Muslims
Not knowing which date the three day celebration will fall can be quiet frustrating for Muslims in the UK as they will need to book annual leave at such short notice.
However, most scholars believe Ramadan will most likely take place on Saturday, April 22, but an official announcement is due to take place on Thursday after sunset.
'What Ramadan means to me and my family in Yorkshire - and the rules we follow'
Last month,Yorkshire Live'sAmina Sadik wrote about what Ramadan means to her and her family.
She says Ramadan is not just a month of fasting and feasting after sunset, as she associates with peace, tranquility, cure and goodness.
Read about what Ramadan means to Amina here.
Take our Ramadan 2023 quiz
How much do you know about the Islamic holy month of Ramadan?
Test your knowledge in our quiz and let us know how you get on!
When is the end of Ramadan?
Eid Al-Fitr meaning ‘breaking of the fast’ is held by Muslims all around the world to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan
Eid celebrations begin on the last day of fasting which ends after sunset. Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days it cannot last longer than 30 days.
Eid celebrations begin on the last day of fasting which ends after sunset. Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days it cannot last longer than 30 days.
Warning over exact Eid al-Fitr date
After nearly a month of fasting, spiritual reflection and discipline,Muslimsaround the world are eagerly waiting for the announcement of Eid Al-fitr.
The Islamic celebration of Eid Al-fitr is coming this week, meaning Ramadan is due to end this week too. Muslims around the world are waiting for the announcement from scholars based on whether the first crescent of the new moon is seen in any given location.
Readherewhen the moon is expected to appear.
