Eid-ul-Fitr also known as Eid-al-Fitr, Meethi Eid and Id-al-Fitr commemorates the completion of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Observed on the first three days of Shawwal, the tenth month of Hijri. Chand Raat is a phrase used in South Asian cultures, notably in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, to refer to the evening of Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid al-Adha. The phrase derives from Urdu, where “chand” means moon and “raat” means night, referring to the night when the moon is visible. This night is significant for Muslims since it signals the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, the month of Zul-Hijjah, and the start of the month of Shawwal.
About Eid:
“Eid” means “celebration” and “Fitr” means “breaking of the fast”; it is a major Islamic festival observed by Muslims worldwide. However, the exact date of the festival varies every year because Islam follows a lunar calendar based on the sighting of the new moon. This year, Ramadan was expected to end on Monday, April 8, providing a treat for sky gazers and celestial body lovers since the new moon on April 8 was predicted to be seen with a total solar eclipse in some places on Earth.
Eid-ul-Fitr in India:
In India, Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 is determined by the appearance of the Shawwal moon. This year, the crescent moon will be visible on the evening of April 9, 2024. If the moon is visible on this day, Eid will be celebrated on April 10, 2024; else, the holiday will take place on April 11, 2024. The seeing of the crescent moon is an important religious activity in Islam, used to determine the day of Eid-al-Fitr.
Eid-ul-Fitr in Pakistan:
In Pakistan, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on Tuesday evening to observe the Shawwal moon, since the Met Office predicts that Eid ul Fitr would fall on April 10 due to the Shawwal moon sighting on April 9. Pakistan’s Meterological Department anticipated that the crescent will be born on April 8 at 11:21 p.m., aged between 19 and 20 hours the next day around Maghrib prayer, and visible for more than 50 minutes around nightfall.
Eid-ul-Fitr in Saudi Arabia:
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and the United Kingdom has urged all Muslims to see the new crescent moon on the evening of April 8, 2024, to mark the conclusion of Ramadan and the start of the month of Shawwal.
Overview:
Basically, seeing the Eid moon is a cause for joy, harmony, and introspection. It is an occasion that promotes spiritual unity, brings people together, and serves as a reminder of the value of tradition and the upholding of Islamic practices. As a result, Muslims in these nations may observe a 30-day fast during Ramadan rather than a 29-day one. Eid-ul-Fitr is commemorated on April 10, 2024.
