Eid al-Fitr is here. Here are events to celebrate Islam’s biggest holiday. – Mosaic

Eid al-Fitr is a festival to commemorate the end of sunrise-to-dusk fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. This year, it begins April 10. (The Islamic Center of Passaic County /The Islamic Center of Passaic County)

Nearly 3.5 million American Muslims will celebrate one of their most sacred holidays, Eid al-Fitr.

Eid is a festival to commemorate the end of sunrise-to-dusk fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It is centered around self-improvement, charity and community support. It falls on a different day each year because it is tied to the lunar cycle. This year, it is forecast for April 10.

“Ramadan is a 30-day period. of fasting and engaging in more acts of worship such as giving in charity, reading the Quran — which is the Muslim holy book —and really disciplining yourself to be the best version of yourself that you can be,” said Dina Sayedahmed, director of communications for the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ).

The festival is signaled by the first sighting of the crescent moon on the evening before (called Chand Raat). Eid begins with a prayer in the congregation and breakfast with family and friends.

“It is very important to break the fast in the morning after prayer. You’re no longer fasting so the holiday is marked by enjoying food, gathering with family, exchanging gifts and presents and wearing the best of your clothes,” she said.

Sayedahmed said a large part of the holiday is bringing happiness to others. Often, Muslims give money during Eid, which is to ensure that all community members have food to break the fast.

Here are some Eid events in the Garden State:

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