French Muslims to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr on May 13, Marking End of Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr is one of the solemn feasts contained in the Muslim calendar. An important pillar of Islam, the holy month of Ramadan is scheduled in France for April 13. For the second consecutive year, Muslims will experience it under particular conditions marked by restrictive measures due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a press release, the CFCM stated that Eid al-Fitr corresponds to the first day of the 10th lunar month (Shawwal). The finding is made by visual observation, the eve after sunset, of the new moon. The date can also be determined by calculation. The institution emphasizes that "due to its precise nature, the verdict of the calculation is predominant over visual observation which is subject to errors and imprecision".

According to the CFCM, "this year, the calculation shows that the birth of the new moon will take place on May 11, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Paris time (5:30 p.m. universal time). As a result, it will not be visible anywhere in the world." "Also, Wednesday, May 12, 2021 is the 30th day of Ramadan and Thursday, May 13, 2021 is the day of Eid al-Fitr," it states. On this occasion, the CFCM presents "its dearest wishes to the Muslims of France and raises prayers so that these moments of joy and spirituality benefit everyone, especially the most destitute," the statement said.

Regarding the Zakat al-Fitr, the CFCM reminds that each family "must pay it for all the members of its household at the rate of 7 euros for each member." It specifies that this "Zakat is exclusively reserved for the poor and cannot be used, for example, as aid to a mosque. Thus, to avoid any confusion, mosques that seize this opportunity to collect funds for their operation must inform the donors."

Due to the current health situation, the Council informs the faithful that the Eid al-Fitr prayer "can be performed individually or collectively at home or in a mosque. When it is organized in a mosque and given the large number of faithful who go there, the CFCM urges the Muslims of France to remain steadfast in the vigilance they have admirably shown since the beginning of the pandemic, inviting families to avoid large family meals, embraces and hugs."