Eid-ul-Fitr 2018: Moon sighting timings in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala

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New Delhi: The auspicious occasion of Eid-al-Fitr or Eid-ul-Fitr is almost here and Muslims across the globe are eagerly waiting for the celebrations to begin. Eid marks the end of 30 days of fasting (Roza) during the Islamic holy month of Ramzan or Ramadan. 

Eid holds a great significance for Muslims who eagerly wait for the festival after keeping Rozas for good 29-30 days during Ramzan. However, confusion over Eid celebration day continues as it purely depends upon the sighting of the moon. This year, it will be either Friday (June 15) or Saturday (June 16).

According to Timesofindia.com, the crescent moon will be seen in Hyderabad on June 14 (Thursday) but only with the help of telescope and binoculurs. It's on June 15 (Friday) that it will be visible to the naked eye, as per astrophysical calculations. 

If the moon is sighted on June 15 in India then Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on June 16 (Saturday). However, in Saudi Arabia, it is most likely to be on June 15 (Friday). There are chances that in Lakshadweep and Kerala, the moon will be seen on June 14 reportedly.

Eid-ul-Fitr is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. The Eid timings vary depending upon the moon sighting in different countries.

The TOI report mentions that the crescent moon will be seen with the naked eye on June 14 only in Africa and America. Also, chances are that it might be visible in Saudi as well on the same date. 

The official moon sighting authorities and committee in Hyderabad, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will decide on June 14 whether the Eid is on Friday or Saturday. 

Ramzan or Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holds a great significance for the Muslim community across the globe. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasts for 30 days marking it as a gesture to revere the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief.

According to many beliefs, this annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts for about 29–30 days (usually a month) based on the visual sighting of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.

Ramadan word has Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness. It is believed that the holy book of Quran was written during this month. Thus, the people practise fasting in this month to purify their souls and seek forgiveness from the Almighty Allah.

Local authorities and mosques will announce the Eid-ul-Fitr timings in advance after checking with other states and countries as well.

Keep reading this space for all updates on Eid-al-Fitr.

Here's wishing our readers 'Eid Mubarak'!