After a month of diligent fasting, prayer and acts of charity, Muslims around the world will be celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr, the holiday of breaking the fast. This celebration is marked by up to three days of special prayers, acts of charity (Zakat al-Fitr) and plenty of food and drink. Some Muslims also decorate their home for the occasion and host get-togethers with their loved ones.
Eid-al-Fitr begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen. This year, it is likely to be celebrated on either Tuesday 9 April or Wednesday 10 April. In the Islamic calendar, Eid occurs twice a year, Eid-Ul-Fitr is the first, followed by Eid-Ul-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) later in the year.
How to join in:
- Share well wishes with your Muslim friends and peers! It is a nice gesture to wish observers “Eid Mubarak” meaning “Blessed Eid”.
- There is a Muslim prayer room on Highfield campus, which the Islamic Society helps to maintain. There are also prayer rooms at the Sir James Matthews Building and the University Hospital. Quiet rooms can be used for prayer at the National Oceanography Centre, the Boldrewood Innovation Campus, and Winchester School of Art.
- Join the Faith Staff Network, a dedicated space for staff and PGRs of faith to meet, chat, and freely express and practice their beliefs. The network aims to empower individuals and represent the interests of different faith communities within the University to ensure an inclusive and tolerant environment.
- All staff and students are welcome to the Faith and Reflection Centre , whatever beliefs they hold. Whether you need a quiet space to take a break or whether you need to talk to the chaplains who can offer a listening ear, the Faith and Reflection Centre is a place for hospitality, safety and care.