When is Eid ul Fitr 2024 in the UK?
Eid ul Fitr is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims complete their month of fasting, reflection, and worship. The exact date of Eid ul Fitr is determined by the sighting of the new moon, and for 2024 in the UK, Eid ul Fitr was expected to fall on Wednesday, 10th April 2024.
As always, the date varies depending on the sighting of the moon, and local mosques or Islamic authorities provide confirmation.
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The Islamic Ruling on Declaring Eid ul Fitr
Eid ul Fitr begins with the sighting of the new moon, marking the start of Shawwal. According to Islamic tradition, if the crescent moon is sighted on the 29th night of Ramadan, Eid is the following day.
If the moon is not sighted, Ramadan completes 30 days, and Eid follows after. This system ensures accuracy and consistency across the Muslim world, though the actual celebration may differ region to region.
Paying Your Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr)
Before Eid prayers, every Muslim must give Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr). This charity ensures that even the poorest in the community can share in the joy of Eid.
Do not wait until the morning of Eid. Pay your Fitrana early so families in need can prepare food and clothing in time.
👉 Pay your Fitrana through Kashmir Welfare Foundation today. Your donation ensures widows, orphans, and struggling families in Kashmir can celebrate Eid with dignity.
Why Some Follow Saudi Arabia and Others Don’t
There is a long-standing difference of opinion among Muslims regarding moon sighting:
- Following Saudi Arabia: Some Muslims believe in global unity by aligning with Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam. This allows all Muslims to celebrate together, regardless of where they live.
- Local Moon Sighting: Others prefer following local moon sighting, which aligns with regional visibility and the prophetic tradition of checking the skies locally.
Both views exist within the Muslim community, and the choice depends on one’s school of thought or local guidance.
How Muslims Celebrate Eid in the UK
Eid ul Fitr is a time of unity, joy, and reflection. For British Muslims, the celebration is also a moment of cultural connection to their roots, particularly for the diaspora from Kashmir and Pakistan.
- Prayers: Muslims gather in mosques or large prayer grounds. The Eid khutbah reminds the community of gratitude, patience, and compassion.
- Family & Food: Homes are filled with the smell of sweet dishes like sheer khurma and Kashmiri pink tea. Families dress in new clothes, exchange gifts, and share meals.
- Charity: Beyond Fitrana, many give Sadaqah and Zakat during Eid, ensuring widows, orphans, and vulnerable families are not forgotten.
👉 Give your Sadaqah today through Kashmir Welfare Foundation. Your gift brings joy to families who would otherwise go without.
Remembering the Less Fortunate
Eid is a time of celebration, but it is also a reminder of our responsibility to those in hardship. Families in Kashmir, Gaza, and beyond face daily struggles of poverty, conflict, and displacement.
For UK Muslims, giving back through Zakat, Fitrana, and Sadaqah is not just charity, it is a duty and a way of sharing Eid with those who cannot celebrate freely.
👉 Support Kashmir Welfare Foundation with your Zakat and regular giving. Together, we can make Eid a source of hope.
FAQs about Eid ul Fitr 2024 in the UK
1. What date was Eid ul Fitr 2024 in the UK?
It was expected on Wednesday, 10th April 2024, but confirmed locally by moon sighting.
2. Why does the date of Eid change each year?
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, so dates shift by 10–11 days each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.
3. What is the difference between Zakat and Fitrana?
Zakat is an annual obligation based on wealth. Fitrana is a smaller, fixed amount given before Eid to ensure everyone can celebrate.
4. Do UK Muslims follow Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting?
Some do for global unity, while others follow local UK or regional moon sighting. It depends on mosque guidance.
5. How much is Fitrana in the UK for 2024?
Most UK mosques set it at around £5–£6 per person, but it is important to check with your local Islamic authority.
