Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr this week, to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This year, Eid al-Fitr, known in Singapore as Hari Raya Puasa, is expected to be on 5 or 6 July, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
The three-day festival, commonly abbreviated to Eid, marks the end of the month-long fasting during Ramadan, which began on 6 June this year. The observation of the month of Ramadan marks the anniversary of the Quran being revealed to Prophet Mohammed.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam along with belief, worship, charitable donation and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid al-Fitr, popularly called the Festival of Fast-Breaking, falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Eid al-Fitr begins with morning prayers and is followed by feasting and celebrations among family and friends. Some Muslims also celebrate the festival by wearing new clothes, giving each other gifts and decorating their homes.
Eid al-Fitr is one of the two biggest Muslim holidays of the year. The other major holiday is Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice.
