Why Muslims Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr And How To Pronounce Eid Mubarak

Why Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr and how to pronounce Eid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak! Everything you need to know on why we celebrate Eid al-Fitr and how to pronounce the greeting used to wish someone a happy Eid

NewsSaffron Otter Assistant Features Editor11:18, 04 Jun 2019Updated 11:20, 04 Jun 2019

Eid Mubarak!

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The fasting holy month of Ramadan has drawn to a close and today marks the dawn of the new moon.

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Millions of Muslims from the beginning of May have abstained from drinking and eating from sunrise to sunset, but that all changes today.

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June 4 marks the start of the Islamic festival termed Eid al-Fitr, which celebrates the breaking of the holy month that saw those observing focus on prayer, purification and charitable acts.

Why is Eid celebrated?

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Islam follows the lunar calendar where the new moon, Shawwal, falls in the tenth month. The new moon introduces Eid following the period of Ramadan - which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Eid celebrations in Manchester have kick-started this morning, which have seen Muslims gather outdoors or in mosques to join the Eid prayer.

The breaking of Ramandan is celebrated with Eid as a way of saying thanks to God following their month of abstinence. Families who have observed Ramadan will get together and indulge with a feast, which will include plenty of sweet treats.

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Gifts will be exchanged and families often head to community events together to celebrate the festivities, often wearing traditional dress. Houses will be decorated with lights, lanterns and coloured banners.

This year's festivities will continue on to Wednesday June 5.

Eid Mubarak! Thousands of Muslims gather across the region to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2019 - live updates

How to pronounce Eid Mubarak

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'Eid Mubarak' is a traditional greeting shared between Muslims on this day.

Eid Mubarak translates directly to 'blessed celebration' or 'have a blessed celebration'.

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Here's how to wish someone a happy Eid:

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What is Ramadan?

It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (Sawm).

The month also marks the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, according to their belief.

It lasts 29-30 days based on the lunar calendar, and this year it commenced on the evening of May 5.