Eid al-Fitr 2024 in India on April 10 or 11? When is chand raat, moon sighting time in India, Saudi Arabia, UAE and more

Eid al-Fitr 2024: Eid-ul-Fitr, known by various names such as Eid-al-Fitr, Meethi Eid, and Id-al-Fitr, symbolises the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, a period of fasting observed in the Islamic faith. Falling on the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Hijri calendar, this festival holds immense cultural and religious importance. Central to the anticipation of Eid is the concept of Chand Raat, particularly revered in South Asian cultures like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Chand Raat, derived from Urdu where "chand" signifies moon and "raat" means night, signifies the eve when the new moon is expected to be sighted, marking the impending arrival of Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid al-Adha. This evening carries profound significance for Muslims as it denotes the conclusion of Ramadan, the month of Zul-Hijjah, and the dawn of Shawwal.

Chand Raat in India: Awaiting the sighting of the crescent moon

The date of Eid-ul-Fitr in India for the year 2024 hinges on the sighting of the Shawwal moon. As per expectations, the crescent moon is anticipated to grace the skies on the evening of April 9, 2024. Should the moon be sighted, Eid celebrations will commence on April 10, 2024; otherwise, the festival will be observed on April 11, 2024. The tradition of moon sighting holds significant religious importance in Islam, serving as a pivotal practice to establish the date of Eid-al-Fitr.

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Lunar cycles and determining Eid dates

The Islamic calendar, based on lunar cycles, causes Eid-ul-Fitr to shift approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year. This phenomenon, influenced by the sighting of the Shawwal moon, leads to the variation in Eid dates compared to the Gregorian calendar widely used in India and other regions. Consequently, Eid-ul-Fitr's date in India is contingent upon the sighting of the Shawwal moon, signifying the culmination of Ramadan and the commencement of Eid festivities.

Eid-al-Fitr moon sighting across the globe

In nations including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and the United Kingdom, the Supreme Court has urged Muslims to observe the new crescent moon on the evening of April 8, 2024. This observation marks the conclusion of Ramadan and heralds the onset of Shawwal.

Should the moon be sighted on April 8, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on April 9, 2024. However, if the moon remains elusive, the search for the crescent moon will extend to April 9, with Eid-ul-Fitr being observed on April 10, 2024. This scenario indicates the possibility of a 30-day fast during Ramadan instead of the usual 29.

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The significance of moon sighting in Islamic tradition

The sighting of the Shawwal moon holds paramount importance in determining Eid-ul-Fitr dates across diverse countries, including those aforementioned. Beyond mere astronomical observation, the sighting represents a time of jubilation, solidarity, and introspection. It serves as a unifying force, bringing communities together in celebration while underscoring the cherished traditions and customs of Islam.