Global Eid practices: Moon sighting vs. state announcements vs. following suit

WEB DESK: As the Islamic world eagerly anticipates the celebration of Eidul Fitr, the diverse methods employed in determining the commencement of the lunar months have once again come into focus. With over 190 million Muslims worldwide awaiting the sighting of the crescent moon to mark the onset of their religious festivals, the approach varies across different regions and countries.

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In several nations, the traditional practice of relying on the crescent moon sighting system remains prevalent. Notably, countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Iran, the United Kingdom, and Oman adhere to this method. They align their Eidul Fitr celebrations with moon sightings observed within their borders, relying on announcements by central and zonal moon-sighting committees, known as Ruet-e-Hilal committees.

However, some forty odd countries, including Afghanistan, Lebanon, Japan, Italy, and Russia, base their Eid announcements on those made by Saudi Arabia. These countries follow Saudi Arabia’s lunar calendar for the determination of Islamic lunar months.

Turkey serves as a reference point for 14 more countries, influencing their lunar month calculations.

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Both Saudi Arabia and Turkey, historically significant political hubs in the Muslim world, wield considerable influence in shaping the moon sighting system and impacting global practices.

In contrast, some countries like Indonesia, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Thailand either lack moon-sighting committees or rely on government announcements for their lunar calendar.

Some evidence suggests that Chinese Muslims look to Malaysia for guidance, while Colombian Muslims follow the Chilean lunar calendar. In regions like New Zealand, local moon sighting is practiced along with reliance on Australia’s Eid announcements.

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The significance of these varied approaches extends beyond cultural practices, deeply intertwined with religious observance.

In the United States, institutions such as the Fiqh Council of North America and the Islamic Society of North America have been established to address the complexities of moon sighting and ensure adherence to religious obligations.

The Moon Sighting Committee, led by engineer and astronomer Khalid Shaukat, collaborates with relevant sources to provide guidance on lunar month determination, prayer times, and the date for Eidul Fitr as well.