Eid al-Fitr 2016 dates in USA? When is Eid? What is Eid? Muslims and the end of Ramadan fasting on July 6
The conclusion of Ramadan for U.S. Muslims, otherwise known as Eid al-Fitr, will take place on July 6, 2016, just 2 days after Americans celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth of July.
For many Muslims, the end of Ramadan will mean going early in the morning of July 6th to pray in a mosque or other designated prayer location.
Ramadan is a time that followers of the Islamic faith fast from sunrise to sunset each day as part of a fasting ritual. The period also means no drinking as well as no sexual interactions.
As mentioned above, the month long celebration of Ramadan this year ends on July 6, but the date for Eid al-Fitr varies each year, as the dates are set by the moon cycle, not specific dates in the calendar.
In addition, the event takes place on different dates around the world so not all Ramadan celebrations are taking place at the same time. The lunar cycles mean that the dates for Eid can vary around 11 days every year.
Muslims believe that Ramadan is the time their holy book, the Qu'ran, was revealed to mankind through their Prophet Muhammad.
Islam celebrates Ramadan by fasting, as well as extra worship and prayers, all with the goal to grow closer to Allah.
During Ramadan, Muslim families and friends will gather at sundown to end their fast. That event is called "Iftaar", which literally means to "Break fast".
Islam does exempt some from fasting throughout Ramadan. The elderly, pregnant women, as well as diabetes sufferers are permitted not to fast during the Ramadan period. Children are also not expected to fast, but some, especially as they grow older, do join their parents in fasting, with some taking part in "half fasts".
It has also been known for elite sports players to not participate in the fasting period. Muslims at the World Cup, for example, were allowed to miss the fast as it would be detrimental to their competitiveness in the competition.
