Chaand Raat: Eid Eve

Assalamoalekum!

As the new moon is sighted, the month of Ramadan comes to an end and the 3 day festival of Eid ul Fitr begins for Muslims around the world. The new month of Shawwaal begins with a festive arrangement of eating, drinking, and being merry with friends and family. Alhamdulillah! (Praise Allah). The eve in which the new moon is sighted is called Chaand Raat in India/Pakistan and it marks the start of Eid preparations.

Moon Sighting or Moon Fighting :)

Sighting the moon is usually not an easy task. Some people see it in their area and some might not, specially if the clouds set in! Tonight is one of those nights and a couple of places are still trying to hunt for a crescent. All mosques and community centers have moon sighting committees comprising of knowledgeable Sheikhs and Imams. They, along with the public, sight the moon using their naked eyes, a pair of binoculars, or a telescope, and give the verdict.

Eid announcement on ISNA.net

One of the rulings of Islamic faith recommends that the majority party's word should be taken as to when should one mark the end of Ramadan. Our's in North America is the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) which has given its verdict that Eid ul Fitr will be tomorrow, inshAllah. The moon's been sighted. Some of my friends are still waiting for the local mosques they've been following to give their verdict. 

I am missing Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman who is the head of the Hilal (moon) committee in Pakistan and he sights the moon along with all other religious heads of the country. He has his special charm on Chaand Raat when he shows up live on all TV channels from the seminar of Hilal Committee with the announcement of whether or not the moon's been sighted. The result is kept a suspense till the last minute and he makes sure he reveals it really, really slow! I miss him this year in USA.

Eid hugs are exchanged as soon as the moon is sighted and Eid is announced.

Chaand Raat: Eid Eve Festivities

As soon as the news of the moon being sighted is announced, it is a GO signal for people to get set for Eid the next morning. Everybody gets out their best clothes as the Sunnah (lifestyle of Prophet Mohammad (saww)) prescribes us to. Usually, these clothes have been bought earlier for Eid. The idea is not to wear new clothes, but the best one can afford. 

The ladies are the most active! They're getting together matching Hijabs, bangles, jewelry, and shoes to go with their Eid outfits. Women in Pakistan/India apply henna on their hands and feet. It's such a beautiful Eid tradition. Eid bazaars are all over the place in Muslim countries. Muslim communities in western countries arrange for Eid bazaars at reserved venues in the area. 

But there's nothing like Eid in Karachi! The buildings are lit up with decorative light bulbs, people are crowded on the streets getting in and out of the bazaars, and mithaai (sweets) shops are selling out!

Sweets are also being made at home for family and friends who'd come to visit on Eid day. Sheer Khurma (right), a vermicelli and dry fruits pudding, and Kheer (left) a rice pudding are traditional Eid treats in Indian/Pakistani culture.

Gifts and treats are prepared to send and share with friends and family the next day. The spirit is about sharing the love, peace, and blessings earned during Ramadan with loved ones. Telephone lines jam as people call up their friends and family all over the world to wish them a happy Eid. 

As the preparations reach completion (they're never really complete!) people march off to bed. Everybody is scheduled to attend the huge Eid prayers event very early next morning on Eid day. 

Stay tuned for more on Eid, inshAllah.