Eid ul Fitr date confirmed after Saudi Arabia announces crescent moon sighting
The Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr has been confirmed to start on Friday after the crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia.
The festival marks the end of Ramadan and the breaking of the fast, which usually involves lavish feasts, lights, decorations and gifts.
The exact end of Ramadan, and the start of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Because the UK doesn't have its own official moon sighting board, the majority of UK Muslims will follow Saudi Arabia's moon sighting, which was made today.
Meanwhile Turkey also earlier declared Friday will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr but a number of countries say Saturday will be the first day.
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The end of Ramadan usually involves lavish feasts (Getty Images)These include Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, France, Thailand, Singapore, and Japan.
The lunar month of Ramadan is a period of 29 or 30 days where Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset.
It is also a time of prayer, giving and self reflection.
Preparation is already on the way for the Mayor of London's annual festival in the capital's iconic Trafalgar Square.
This year’s theme focuses on family, education, and innovation with an exhilarating lineup of acts on the main stage.
The East London Mosque will also be holding its own celebration to mark the end of Ramadan.
Sufia Alam, Head of Programmes at the East London Mosque and Maryam Centre, said the mosque Eid celebrations are a big operation.
She said: "For our new Muslims, we try to be that family for them, so we'll have a meal prepared for them", she said.
"We even ask them to bring food if they want to share food so the food is not from one culture, so people can bring a roast in if they want to as well."
Birmingham is said to be host to the largest Eid celebration in Europe - the 'Celebrate Eid' event - which usually expects 60,000 attendees each year with fairground rides, rodeo bull riding and various food stands.
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Mr Hanif, secretary for the Birmingham Central Mosque, says this year will be the very first proper Eid since covid restrictions have been relaxed.
He said: "Last year, people were still wary about covid because it was still fresh in many people's minds.
"So many people lost loved ones and weren't able to attend funerals and it impacted a lot of people.
"I think this year will be the first post-Covid Eid. This year will be even bigger and brighter."
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