Rabat – The Muslim Association of Canada, which follows the Fiqh Council of North America, has officially announced that Eid Al Fitr will start on April 21.
Eid Al Fitr marks the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. On this day, Muslims around the globe celebrate the end of their fast through traditional customs and religious practices.
As Canada is known for hosting different nationals coming from various parts of the world, one cannot find a dominant culture or tradition during Eid celebrations, but an array of traditions gathered in one place.
Some Canadian Muslims celebrate Eid Al Fitr with their compatriot relatives at home, while others gather in mosques or squares where they experience celebrations of different types.
Colorful lights, banners, balloons, and other traditional decorations adorn homes.
Muslims everywhere always begin Eid Al Fitr by performing the morning Eid prayer, either in mosques or in open areas, followed by a religious sermon or “khutba.”
They wish one another acceptance for the worshiping acts performed during Ramadan and on the day of Eid such as almsgiving and visiting relatives.
The morning breakfast is another big part of the celebrations as people exchange a variety of traditional meals, each coming from a different background.
Canada is home to nearly 2 million Muslims, according to Statistics Canada, meaning about 1 in 20 Canadians are Muslim.
Like all Muslims, some Canadian Muslims will also consider fasting six days of Shawwal. While not obligatory, this fast complements Ramadan’s and equals the value of fasting an entire year.
