Eid-ul-Fitr 2018: Check prayer timings in UAE

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New Delhi: The auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan or Ramadan. Muslims across the globe celebrate the festival of Eid with full gusto and spirit. Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as Eid-al-Fitr is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast.

The day of Eid falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal depending upon the sighting of the moon the previous night. The fasting ends and people look forward to Eid celebrations the day after. On the day of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims offer a particular salat (Islamic prayer) consisting of two rakats (units) which is usually offered in an open field or large hall.

The Eid timings vary depending upon the moon sighting. 

According to Khaleejtimes.com, the prayer timings for Eid-al-Fitr in the UAE are: 

Abu Dhabi: 5.50am
Al Ain: 5.57am
Western Region: 6.02am
Sharjah: 5.44am

The report attributes the timings as announced by Awqaf. 

Al Hamriya, Al Madam and Maleha: 5.44 am

Al Al Dhaid city and Al Bataeh: 5.43 am 

Eastern Region cities and suburbs:  5.41 am

Ramzan or Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holds a great significance for the Muslim community across the globe. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasts for 30 days marking it as a gesture to revere the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief.

According to many beliefs, this annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts for about 29–30 days (usually a month) based on the visual sighting of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.

Ramadan word has Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness. It is believed that the holy book of Quran was written during this month. Thus, the people practise fasting in this month to purify their souls and seek forgiveness from the Almighty Allah.

Thus, people celebrate the festival lavishly by wearing new clothes, offering Namaz, eating together after sunset and greeting 'Ramazan Mubarak' which completes on the day of Eid!

Here's wishing our readers 'Eid Mubarak!'