As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, the Muslim community eagerly awaits the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, which will mark the joyous celebration of Eid-al-Fitr in 2024. This annual festival, also known as Meethi Eid and Eid-al-Fitr, holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide, signifying the end of the month-long fast and the beginning of a new chapter.
In India, the date of Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 is dependent on the sighting of the Shawwal moon. According to the current projections, the crescent moon is expected to be visible on the evening of April 9, 2024. If the moon is indeed sighted on this day, then Eid-al-Fitr will be celebrated on April 10, 2024; however, if the moon is not spotted, the festival will be observed on April 11, 2024.
The Islamic calendar, based on the lunar cycle, means that the date of Eid-ul-Fitr shifts approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year, as the lunar calendar is shorter than the solar-based Gregorian calendar widely used in India and other parts of the world. This phenomenon necessitates the observance of the crescent moon sighting to determine the start of the month of Shawwal and the commencement of Eid-al-Fitr.
In the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and the United Kingdom, the Supreme Court has called on all Muslims to sight the new crescent moon on the evening of April 8, 2024, to mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the month of Shawwal. If the moon is sighted on this date, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on April 9, 2024. However, if the moon is not spotted, the search will continue on April 9, and if it remains unseen, Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on April 10, 2024.
The sighting of the Shawwal moon is a crucial moment in the Islamic calendar, as it not only determines the date of Eid-al-Fitr but also serves as a symbol of unity and spiritual reflection for the global Muslim community. This joyous occasion is a time for communal prayers, feasting, and the sharing of gifts and charity, fostering a sense of togetherness and the celebration of the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
As the world eagerly awaits the first glimpse of the crescent moon, the Muslim faithful prepare to embrace the spirit of Eid-al-Fitr, a time of peace, gratitude, and the reaffirmation of their faith.
