Ramadan is observed by the world's 1.9 billion Muslims, as they participate in the fast synonymous with the holiest month in Islam.
However, this period will end in early May, heralding the welcome arrival of the celebration Eid al-Fitr.
Like the start of Ramadan, the date of the first of two Eid festivals marked in the Islamic calendar is associated with the sighting of the moon, which consequently means Eid al-Fitr cannot always be predicted with complete accuracy.
So how will Ramadan be celebrated by Muslims around the world? Read on to find everything you need to know about Eid al-Fitr 2022.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2022?
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on a different date every year. This year, Eid will be celebrated between Monday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 3.
Ramadan will end the day before, on the first Sunday of May 2022.
However, keep in mind the timings and dates change from country to country, depending on where you are in the world.
This is because the start of the festival is calculated according to the sighting of the New Moon by the Saudi Arabia moon-sighting committee.
Every year, the Islamic Lunar calendar is shorter than the solar calendar by 10 to 12 days, with Eid and Ramadan rotating and being celebrated in different seasons of the year.
How Is Eid al-Fitr Celebrated Around The World?
Eid al-Fitr's name comes from an Arabic term which approximately translates as the "feast of breaking the fast."
While not widely recognized as a public holiday in the U.S., it is marked as a national holiday in many Muslim countries.
It is traditional for Muslims to gather together in a park to celebrate breaking their fast, with events and festivities, where food and prayer play a central role.
Nafisah Atcha, a practicing Muslim and Organic Content Executive at digital specialists Embryo, describes Eid al-Fitr as "always a special time for me and family."
She told Newsweek: "The days filled with delicious food, lots of laughter and memories that last a lifetime.
"I look forward to this day and the special moments it brings each year."
What Is Ramadan & Why Do Muslims Fast?
Ramadan is considered to be one of the 'Five Pillars of Islam', an act of worship teaching patience, perseverance and charity.
Ramadan is consequently considered as a way for followers of Islam to accommodate worship and to come closer to their God.
Muslims fast to break away from bad habits, while also following the teachings of Islam, which is seen as a compulsory act of worship.
However, many are exempt if they are unable to fast, such as the elderly, pregnant women, those who are physically or mentally incapable, those who have not reached puberty yet and women who may be menstruating.
Ramadan takes place for between 29 to 30 days, during which time Muslims will not eat food or drink liquids between the onset of dawn and the setting of the sun.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
