Eid al-Fitr 2027 in the UK is expected on Tuesday 9 March or Wednesday 10 March 2027, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon. Eid begins in the morning with a special prayer of two rak’ahs, prayed after sunrise in masjids, parks and community halls across the country. Before that prayer, every Muslim must pay Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) so that families in need can celebrate too.
This guide covers the expected Eid 2027 date in the UK, how to pray Eid salah, the Sunnah of Eid morning, much loved UK traditions, and how Human Concern UK helps you share Eid with families in need.
Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 March 2027 in the UK. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin with the first fast on Monday 8 February 2027. Eid falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month after Ramadan.
An Islamic month lasts 29 or 30 days. On the evening of the 29th day of Ramadan, Muslims look for the new crescent moon:
The night before Eid is known among many British Muslims of South Asian heritage as chaand raat, the night of the moon. It is expected on the evening of Monday 8 or Tuesday 9 March 2027.
UK masjids follow different moon sighting methods. Some rely on a local sighting, while others follow announcements from Saudi Arabia or another Muslim country. Each follows a valid scholarly position, so follow your local masjid with respect for others.
No. Eid al-Fitr is not a bank holiday in the UK. Most British Muslims book a day of annual leave. Because the date may move by one day, it helps to tell your employer early that you may need either Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 March 2027.
For school pupils in England, a day set apart for religious observance by your religious community can be recorded as an authorised absence. Speak to your child’s school well before Ramadan ends.
The Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) is two rak’ahs prayed in congregation after sunrise and before midday. It is followed by a short sermon (khutbah). Many UK masjids hold several prayers on Eid morning to fit everyone in, and some communities pray in large parks or sports halls. Check your local masjid for the time of each jamaat.
Eid prayer is different from the daily prayers in a few simple ways:
Women and children are encouraged to attend. Umm Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet ﷺ told women to come out on Eid, even those who were not praying, so they could witness the good and the gathering of the believers. (Sahih al-Bukhari 324, Sahih Muslim 890)
Eid morning has its own Sunnah. Following it turns a celebration into worship.
Fasting on the day of Eid is not allowed. Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said the Prophet ﷺ forbade fasting on the two days of Eid. (Sahih al-Bukhari 1990, Sahih Muslim 1137
British Muslims bring together the Sunnah with traditions from many heritages. These are some of the customs you will see across the UK.
Families gather on the night before Eid to wait for news of the moon. Hands are decorated with mehndi, and high streets in Birmingham, Bradford, East London and Manchester stay lively late into the night.
Large outdoor gatherings have become part of Eid in Britain. Birmingham’s Eid in the Park at Small Heath Park is one of the best known. In March the weather can be cold and wet, so many communities move their prayers indoors. Always check your masjid’s arrangements.
Eid breakfast often starts with something sweet, such as sheer khurma, a vermicelli pudding with milk and dates. Children receive Eidi, a gift of money from older relatives, and the day is spent visiting family and sharing food.
The Prophet ﷺ recognised the joy of the day. He said: “Every people has its Eid, and this is our Eid.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 952, Sahih Muslim 892) For warm greetings to send your loved ones, see our Eid Mubarak wishes and messages.
Eid is a day of joy, but not every family has food for the morning. Zakat al-Fitr exists so that no one is left out. The Prophet ﷺ made it “food for the poor.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1609, graded hasan)
Human Concern UK is part of the Human Concern International family, serving communities for 46 years in 16 countries. We are a UK registered charity (Charity Commission No. 1206222), based in Manchester. Here is how you can share your Eid:
The reward of Ramadan can continue after Eid. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Sahih Muslim 1164) Learn how in our guide to the six days of Shawwal.
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