Eid Al-Fitr 2017 Date, Moon Sighting: Why Muslims Celebrate End Of Ramadan On Different Days

Muslims around the world are preparing for the end of the long month of fasting to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. The end of the holy month of Ramadan will be either June 25 or 26, depending on when the new moon is seen.

Muslims depend on moon sightings to announce the end of Ramadan, which means different countries celebrate Eid al-Fitr on different dates. Each month in the Islamic calendar (which consists of 12 months) commences with a new lunar cycle. The date for Eid al-Fitr, the first day of the month that follows Ramadan, is determined based on the sighting of the new moon. In some Muslim countries, religious councils determine the moon sighting.

Read: History About The Day Muslims Break Ramadan Fast

However many other ways of determining the date also include the actual sighting of the moon or calculating the birth of the new moon. Most Western countries take astronomical calculations into account and set their dates for Eid ahead of time. The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) follows guidance from the Fiqh Council of North America, which relies on astronomical calculations of the moon sighting in Mecca, the city in Saudi Arabia that is considered the birthplace of Islam.

In a statement ahead of Ramadan, ISNA said the astronomical new moon for Eid would be on "June 24, 2017, at 2:33 Universal Time."

On Saturday, the Supreme Judiciary Council of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will meet to decide whether the moon is sighted, to mark the start of Eid al-Fitr celebrations and the month of Shawwal. If the moon is sighted, Eid will be celebrated on Sunday, June 25 in the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. The last fasting of Ramadan will be done on Saturday. Muslims are not allowed to fast on the day of Eid itself.

The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) however, has already announced Eid will be celebrated on June 25 this year. The majority in Western countries follow Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Hijri calendar to know the date of Eid.

African countries like Libya and Algeria are also expected to celebrate the first day of Eid on Sunday, June 25, given they are able to view the moon.

Read: When Does Ramadan 2017 End?

Asian countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on June 26 as they began their Ramadan fast a day later than the rest of the world.

Eid al-Fitr traditionally begins with prayers known as Salat al-Fitr followed by the exchange of gifts among friends and families. Donations and gifts to charities are common on the day of Eid. Muslims wear new clothes and celebrate the day, which marks a moment of giving thanks and reflecting on completing a month-long fast.