Rabat- Eid al-Fitr (the feast of breaking fast) comes on the first day of the tenth Islamic month, Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan. This year, Eid al-Fitr will likely fall on Friday in Morocco, the best day of the week for Muslims.
Ramadan began this year on a Thursday and will likely end on a Thursday in Morocco and other Muslim countries.
The observation ceremony of the crescent moon, signaling the beginning of the new month in Islamic calendar, will take place Thursday evening.
Meanwhile Saudi Arabia, which is three hours ahead of Morocco, has already confirmed the moon sighting and announced that Eid al-Fitr will be on Friday.
Many astronomers have predicted that most Muslim countries will bid farewell to Ramadan on Thursday and celebrate Eid on the same day, Friday June 15, just as they began the Ramadan fast in unison on Thursday, May 17.
The renowned Moroccan astronomer Abdelaziz Kharbouch Al Ifrani told Morocco World News last week that the crescent of Shawwal will be clearly visible tonight from countries in the western hemisphere, including Morocco.
Read Also: Saudi Arabia Sights Moon, Will Celebrate Eid al-Fitr Friday, June 15
Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Morocco
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated differently in each culture in the world, however its significance remains the same in Islam.
The Eid brings joy to the hearts of Muslims who successfully completed a full month of fasting; as Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam.
On Eid al-Fitr, Muslims put on their best traditional clothes, kaftans for women and djellabas for men, who attend mosques in crowds to perform the special Eid prayers between sunrise and noon.
If Eid comes on Friday, Muslims usually perform the Eid prayers soon after sunrise to attend the regular Friday prayers in the afternoon.
It is also on this day that Muslims who promised themselves to end habits such as gambling, smoking, or drinking during the fasting month prove to themselves that they have successfully accomplished their goals.
Just like in other Muslim countries, in Morocco, families do “silaturrahim,” which is the act of visiting family members or reconciling with them on the occasion.
Afterwards, families give Zakat Al Fitr (Eid charity) to the poor, a mandatory practice, since the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) ordered his Muslim followers to give it.
What to expect on Eid al-Fitr in Morocco
In Morocco, the working holiday for Eid al-Fitr lasts for two days. Typically, during these days, families travel across the country to pay each other visits, which is why traffic jams are a given.
Recently, the National Motorway Company of Morocco (ADM) warned road travelers that they should take precaution and plan their trips ahead, especially as the Eid holiday coincides with the weekend when many will return to their homes at the end of Ramadan.
The National Office of Railways (ONCF) has adjusted its schedule especially for Eid.
It has recently revised rail schedule to accommodate expected increases in passenger numbers.
It will increase the number of trains on the main axes of the railway network (Casablanca- Rabat-Fès-Marrakech-Tangier-Oujda and Nador). Railway police forces will also be strengthened to ensure the safety of travelers.
