Eid al-Fitr 2021 Updates With The Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr 2021 Updates With The Ramadan

When is Ramadan 2021?
The Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, commonly known as the lunar cycle. As a result, the Holy month of Ramadan falls approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. The Ramadan start date for 2021 is expected to begin on Monday 12th April 2021, following the sighting of the moon over Mecca. Lasting for 30 days, Ramadan will end on Tuesday 11th May 2021, with the celebratory days of Eid al-Fitr starting on Wednesday 12th May 2021 or Thursday 13th May 2021.

Key Ramadan 2021 Dates at a Glance
When Does Ramadan Start: Monday 12th April 2021

How Long is Ramadan: 30 days

When Does Ramadan End: Tuesday 11th May 2021

When Is Laylat al-Qadr: On or around Saturday 8th May 2021

When Does Eid al-Fitr Start: Wednesday 12th May 2021

Sawm
Sawm is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and the Arabic word for ‘fasting’. Although fasting occurs elsewhere in the Islamic calendar, it is primarily associated with the month of Ramadan for the month-long fast. Fasting is a key part of Ramadan and all those of able body and sound mind should fast during this Holy time. Sawm takes place every day from sunrise to sunset and our Ramadan timetable of daylight hours makes it easier to prepare. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the fasting times as anyone who is still eating their suhoor (pre-dawn meal), at the completion of the Fajr (call to prayer) is disqualified from that day’s fast.

The sunset and the start of Maghrib prayers mark the end of the day’s fast. It is traditional to break the fast by eating dates, a proven healthy snack, before iftar (evening meal) which is normally eaten with friends and family.

Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr meaning ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’, is the important holiday that follows the month of Ramadan. Celebrated for up to three days, Eid al-Fitr does not begin until the sighting of the moon although is expected to start on Wednesday 12th May or Thursday 13th May 2021. It is a time for great feasts, the giving of gifts to children and spending time with those dearest to you. Check with your local mosque for confirmation of dates and any community activities that are taking place near you.

Zakat al-Fitr
Before the end of Ramadan and the special Eid al-Fitr prayer, all Muslims should make Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable contribution traditionally of a staple food item. Intended to help those less fortunate to enjoy the celebration of Eid al-Fitr with their friends and loved ones, you can donate Zakat al-Fitr through Muslim Aid and we will distribute food items to those most in need.

You can donate Zakat al-Fitr anytime throughout the month, however, like Zakat, many people choose to make their donation on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) which falls in the last 10 days of Ramadan. The Night of Power is a special time, in which rewards are multiplied.

Refer to our Ramadan calendar 2021 to help you plan the best time to make your donation.

This year, for just £5 per person, you can donate your Zakat al-Fitr to Muslim Aid and we will provide a nutritious meal for someone less fortunate living in poverty. Please give generously this Ramadan and help us to provide for communities around the world.