After a long month of fasting from dawn to sunset every day, Muslims around the world rejoice in Eid al-Fitr. Marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr (commonly shortened as "Eid"Â) is a festive holiday in which Muslims revel with family and friends -- often with all kinds of delectable foods.
But to non-Muslims, the celebration can seem peculiar in one way: Not all Muslims throughout the world observe the holiday on the same day. This year, some Muslims will mark Eid on Friday, while others will undertake one more fast and celebrate Eid on Saturday.
Why the discrepancy? Each month in the Islamic calendar (which consists of 12 months), commences with a new cycle of the moon. The date for Eid al-Fitr, the first day of the month that follows Ramadan, is determined based upon the sighting of the new moon, which can vary in different parts of the world. In some Muslim countries, religious councils determine the moon sighting. Some Muslims wait as the end of the month nears to hear when the Eid date will be.
http://www.ibtimes.com/eid-al-...fferent-days-2007994
But to non-Muslims, the celebration can seem peculiar in one way: Not all Muslims throughout the world observe the holiday on the same day. This year, some Muslims will mark Eid on Friday, while others will undertake one more fast and celebrate Eid on Saturday.
Why the discrepancy? Each month in the Islamic calendar (which consists of 12 months), commences with a new cycle of the moon. The date for Eid al-Fitr, the first day of the month that follows Ramadan, is determined based upon the sighting of the new moon, which can vary in different parts of the world. In some Muslim countries, religious councils determine the moon sighting. Some Muslims wait as the end of the month nears to hear when the Eid date will be.
http://www.ibtimes.com/eid-al-...fferent-days-2007994