Eid al-Fitr: the Feast of Breaking the Fast approaches for Muslims

The Rurality and Equalities Team at Shropshire Council spoke to Sohayb Peerbhai, Imam at the Craven Arms mosque, who explains all about Eid and what it means to him.

The exact timing of Eid is based on the sighting of the moon. This year, Sohayb tells us that Ramadhan is expected to end on the evening of Sunday 1^st May, with Eid being on the Monday bank holiday although that is subject to sighting of the new moon. Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated world-wide during the first three days of Shawwal.

Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but also thanking Allah for the Qur’an, which was first revealed towards the end of Ramadan, and for the strength Allah has given them to exercise self-control throughout the previous month of fasting. If necessary, they will ask Allah for forgiveness if they failed to keep the fast at any point.

Eid al-Fitr is a time for families, friends and neighbours to spend time together and share food.

Imam Sohayb Peerbhai says, “We had some very memorable moments this month especially during the congregational prayer and standing together in reflection and in prayer. We also partook and shared in meals together although not in a large congregation; the closeness of spirituality and bonding has an impact and leaves good memories. The experience is very refreshing after being away for nearly two years due to lockdown and I think people have also felt that; I definitely got that response from people.

“We have different forms of greetings in different parts of the world and in Britain we are influenced by both the Arab and Asian cultures so we use the words ‘Eid Mubarak’ and ‘Eid Saeed’ – both which mean a blessed Eid. These are the greetings we would use to friends, neighbours, family and members of the congregation at the mosque.”

Eid Mubarak to all.