Global Observance of Eid ul Fitr Celebrations in 2023

Eid ul Fitr prayers were held globally on Sunday, marking the end of Ramadan. Significant celebrations took place in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other countries as the Shawwal moon was sighted. In Pakistan, the Bohra community held prayers, while several nations announced Eid for March 31 due to moon sighting outcomes. The festival underscores the joyful conclusion of a month of fasting, celebrated by communities worldwide.

Eid ul Fitr prayers took place in numerous countries on Sunday, as Muslims worldwide celebrated this significant festival. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were among the prominent nations observing the event, along with Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkiye, Iran, Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine, where the Shawwal moon was sighted on Saturday.

Eid ul Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. The timing of this festival is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, aligning with the Muslim lunar calendar. Additionally, Muslim communities in the United States and Canada celebrated Eid on the same day, although some mosques awaited the moon sighting before confirming the date.

In Pakistan, the Bohra community performed Eid prayers across various regions, including Karachi, as they awaited the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s decision on the moon sighting for the country. In Bajaur, local mosques held prayers amid heightened security, and Afghan refugees in Pakistan also observed the festival.

Countries such as Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia officially announced that they would celebrate Eid ul Fitr on Monday, March 31, 2025. This decision came after the successful moon sighting efforts and astronomical data confirmed that the crescent moon was not visible on Saturday evening, leading to Sunday being recognized as the 30th day of Ramadan.

In Iraq, while various groups held Eid prayers on Sunday, the official celebration is scheduled for Monday. Similarly, Indonesia announced Monday as the first day of Eid, after failing to observe the crescent. India expects to see the moon on Sunday, hence targeting a Monday celebration. Malaysia’s International Astronomy Centre confirmed the visibility of the crescent on Sunday, aligning Eid with March 31, while Brunei followed suit. The Australian Fatwa Council also declared Eid on March 31, stating the Shawwal moon would appear post-sunset on Saturday.

In summary, the celebration of Eid ul Fitr has been observed with great enthusiasm across various countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, set against a backdrop of lunar observations determining its timing. While some countries will officially recognize Eid on March 31, the festival’s spirit remains vibrant among Muslim communities worldwide, emphasizing the unity and joy that accompany this important religious occasion.

Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk