NEW MOON
Eid al-Fitr 2018 – has Ramadan ended and what time was the moon visible in the UK?
EID al-Fitr is an important Muslim religious holiday celebrated around the world marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
The celebration marks the conclusion of the 29-30 days of dawn to sunset fasting during the month. We take a look at the religious celebration in more detail.
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When does Ramadan end and what time will the moon be visible in the UK??
The moon was visible from around 7.45pm on June 14, 2018, after it was sighted earlier in Saudi Arabia, signalling an end to the holy month.
Eid al-Fitr lasts for three days and is also referred to as the breaking of the fast following Ramadan.
Eid kickstarts the month of Shawwal, which begins with a feast to end the period of fasting.
Families traditionally gather together to mark the start of Eid with a lavish meal.
Gifts and cards are often exchanged among friends and family.
Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre in Birmingham said in a statement to BirminghamLive: "Green Lane Masjid can confirm the moon of Shawwal has been sighted, therefore Eid ul-Fitr will be on Friday 15th June 2018.
"Eid prayer will take place at Small Heath Park. Arrival is for 8.00am and the prayer will commence at 9.30am."
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When is Eid al-Fitr 2018?
This year, Eid starts on Friday, June 15, and marks the start of a month of celebration.
The dates can be adjusted slightly nearer the time due to lunar sightings and changes each year.
This is because the Islamic calendar - known as the Umm al-Qura calendar - is based on the moon’s cycle, whereas the Gregorian one is determined by the sun.
As the two don’t align, the Islamic dates move back by 11 days each year.
MORE ON RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
Is there another Eid celebration in the calendar?
As well as Eid al-Fitr, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Adha is expected to take place on Tuesday, August 21 this year which falls in the middle of the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar.
The celebration revolves around when Allah appeared to Ibrahim in a dream and asked him to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as a sign of his faith.
It’s similar to the Christian and Jewish stories in which God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, but spared him from doing so.
During this time, Muslims traditionally sacrifice animals, in Britain this is done in a slaughterhouse, and the meat is divided up among friends, family and the needy.
It ends on Saturday, August 25.
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