Monday, April 8, or Tuesday, April 9
In the Islamic world, Eid al-Fitr is a memorable day for families and friends. The most important and joyous celebration in the Islamic faith, this two- or three-day event occurs right after the month of Ramadan ends.
Eid al-Fitr is essentially a chance for the faithful to express gratitude to God for providing them with the courage and resolve to fulfil the required fast and follow His instructions during the holy month of Ramadan. After doing this, Muslims celebrate being forgiven of all their sins and be able to begin again in a condition of fitra, or innocence and purity.
Dates of Eid al-Fitr in the UAE in 2024
The crescent moon’s sighting, which occurs one day following the new moon, determines the day of Eid al-Fitr. For this reason, it is only possible to determine the date of Eid al-Fitr during the dark of night. Ramadan lasts for an additional day if the crescent moon is not visible.
Subject to moon sighting, Monday, April 8, or Tuesday, April 9 are predicted to be the dates of Eid al-Fitr in 2024. Shawwal’s first and second days are designated as Eid al-Fitr in the Islamic calendar. The dates are subject to change and may vary depending on when the moon is sighted.
UAE’s Eid al-Fitr celebrations
Emirati housewives cleaned and dusted their homes in the days before Eid al-Fitr. Morning prayers, whether at home or in a nearby mosque, start the day early. The Arabs gorge themselves on classic lunch fare including ouzi, chicken machboos, and luqaimat for dessert.
Bedouin men used to shoot their rifles into the air on the first day of Eid as a sign of celebration; in some regions of the nation, this custom is still followed. Popular traditional dances, such as Al Razfah, are also performed by men.
Contributions and gift-giving are also integral aspects of the celebration. Emiratis are used to seizing the opportunity of Eid offers as soon as they arise, especially for those who are shopping for gifts for their loved ones. As a token of devotion, Emirati families and friends have a long-standing custom of exchanging Eid gifts with one another. As a token, children are also given candy, presents, or cash. In order to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festival with joy, it is also common to donate zakat al-Fitr to the underprivileged.
On Hagg Al-Layla, the children of Emirati dress in their finest attire and visit the homes of their neighbours, reciting poems and songs. The neighbours give them various candies and nuts in exchange, which they pack into their customary canvas bags.
The Zakat al Fitr (Fitrana), as required by Islam, ought to be finished before the early Eid prayer. Donations of cash or similar supplies, such as rice, barley, dates, and other such foods, must come from those who can afford it. To make sure that everyone can have a happy Christmas, this required donation needs to be given to the underprivileged before the festivities.
Eid ul-Fitr & Eid ul-Adha
What is Eid ul-Fitr?
The one-day celebration of Eid ul-Fitr signifies the conclusion of Ramadan. It is an occasion to rejoice that Allah (SWT) has given you the fortitude to complete the Ramadan fast. The day is divided into multiple sections, such as:
- Getting up early and saying hello to the family
- Saying the salah (prayer)
- Taking part in ghusl (ablution)
- putting on clothing (usually new ones) and getting ready for the coming day
- Having breakfast with loved ones and friends
- Making certain that Zakat-ul-Fitr is paid before Eid Salah
- Eid Salah being performed in the congregation
- Greetings to all fellow Muslims and greetings for Eid ul-Fitr
- Celebrating with loved ones and friends
Those who completed their fast should give thanks to Allah (SWT) for providing them with the fortitude to endure the challenging month of Ramadan. Ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness and the fortitude to pay their debts if they missed or broke the fast and are responsible for paying Fidya or Kaffarah.
Why is Eid ul-Fitr Important?
Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the year, ends with Eid ul-Fitr, which makes it significant. Muslims recite the Qur’an, practise strong willpower, and deepen their relationship with Allah (SWT) during Ramadan. We celebrate Eid ul-Fitr as a reward.
How Many Days is Eid ul-Fitr?
There is just one day of Eid ul-Fitr, which is Shawwal’s first day.
What is Eid ul-Adha?
Eid ul-Adha, which is said to be the greatest Eid due to its religious significance, comes after the Hajj trip. Celebrating the devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) on Eid ul-Adha is a moment to honour his readiness to offer his son Ismail as a sacrifice to Allah (SWT). It was revealed that the sacrifice had been a test when Allah (SWT) spared Ismail’s (AS) life and substituted him with a ram just before the execution.
This is celebrated by offering an animal as a sacrifice in the name of Allah (SWT) on Eid ul-Adha. This sacrifice is made right after the Eid Salah.
There are a few significant distinctions between Eid ul-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr, even though many of the same events will occur. The act of Qurbani, which involves the sacrifice of an animal, usually a goat, is the most famous of all.
There will be prayers and community members will exchange wishes for Eid ul-Adha. Over the course of the three days, families would gather to feast and exchange gifts. The Muslim community is genuinely experiencing immense delight and rejoicing during this time.
How Many Days is Eid ul-Adha?
Eid ul-Adha is usually celebrated for three days and is a time of great joy and happiness for the Muslim community. It’s a national holiday in nations where Muslims predominate.
What Unites Eid ul-Fitr with Eid ul-Adha?
The commonality between the two Eids is generosity, even though their meanings differ. In order to feed the hungry, zakat ul-Fitr is donated during Eid ul-Fitr, which falls at the end of Ramadan.
Eid ul-Adha celebrations include Qurbani or animal sacrifice. After that, the animal is separated into three parts, one of which is given to the impoverished.
Islam places a premium on altruism. It is a significant manifestation of Allah’s (SWT) love for us, and we are fortunate to be able to share in the celebration with our international family.
FAQs
What is Qurbani?
Qurbani refers to the ritual sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, during Eid ul-Adha. Family, friends, and the least fortunate all receive the meat.
Who is obligated to perform Qurbani?
Qurbani is obligatory for financially stable Muslims who meet specific wealth criteria. It is not mandatory for everyone, but those who can afford it are encouraged to participate.
How is the meat from Qurbani distributed?
The meat is divided into three parts: one-third is given to the needy, one-third to relatives and friends, and the remaining one-third is kept for the family.
Is it possible to do Qurbani for someone else?
Yes, Qurbani can be done on behalf of others, including deceased relatives or those who are unable to perform it themselves. It is a way of sharing the blessings of Eid with those in need.
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is a charitable donation given before the Eid prayer, intended to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy.
Who is obligated to give Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory for every Muslim, regardless of age, who possesses the minimum required amount of wealth.