Muslims in India will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Thursday, April 11, after the crescent moon wasn't sighted on Tuesday.
The announcement was made by the Markazi Chand Committee Eidgah Lucknow, a prominent Muslim body, which confirmed the non-sighting of the moon for Eid. Imams of Delhi's Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri Mosque also confirmed the same, according to news agency PTI.
"The new moon of Shawwal has not occurred on April 9, 2024. Therefore, tomorrow is the 30th Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr will be on April 11, 2024. Eid al-Fitr prayers will be held at Idgah Lucknow on April 11 at 10 a.m.," the notification said.
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, chairperson of the Islamic Centre of India (ICI), told PTI, "The moon couldn't be sighted in Lucknow on April 9 and there is no information on moon sighting from any other part of India. Hence, it is announced that the 30th Ramadan will be observed tomorrow (on April 10) and on April 11, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated across the country."
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Significance of Eid al-Fitr
Typically celebrated with family gatherings, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, observant Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk, breaking their fast with family and friends in the evening. It's also a time for increased prayer, with worshippers congregating at mosques, particularly during night prayers.
Explaining the Lunar Calendar
As the crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a joyous occasion signifying the culmination of the holy month.
Eid al-Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk, focusing on self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and strengthening their connection with Allah (God). Eid al-Fitr is a reward for successfully completing the fast and a time to express gratitude for Allah's blessings.
The exact date of Eid al-Fitr can be confusing, as it depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. The answer lies in the Islamic lunar calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar we commonly use, the Islamic calendar is based on moon cycles. This means Islamic months are 29 or 30 days long, and the dates for religious holidays shift slightly each year.
In India, the confirmation of Eid al-Fitr relies on the sighting of the crescent moon signifying the beginning of the month of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
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