Eid-ul-Fitr 2011 (1432 AH): Happy Eid to All -- Short Video Documentary About Eid al-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr is one of the most significant festivals among the Muslims. It marks the end of the month of Ramazan also known as Ramadan, the month of fasting. In Arabic language Eid means festivity. Eid ul-Fitr means Festival of Breaking the Fast. This festival falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal, which is the tenth month according to the Islamic Calendar.

Eid ul-Fitr 2011 (1432 AH)

Eid ul Fitr is a unique festival. It has no connection with any historical event nor is it related to the changes of seasons or cycles of agriculture. It is not a festival related in any way to worldly affairs. Its significance is purely spiritual. It is the day when the Muslims thank Allah (SWT) for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe fast and obey His commandment during the holy month of Ramadan.

Hazrat Anas (ra), a companion of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reported that when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the Ansaar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it. They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told them: 'Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.' (Hadith)

Watch a short documentary video below:

Alvida Ramadan Kareem - Eid-ul-Fitr (Meethi/Choti Eid) will be celebrated tomorrow in Pakistan

For Muslims across the globe, Eid-ul-Fitr, or Meethi (Sweet) Eid as it is known in Pakistan and India, is one of the favourite celebrations of the Muslim calendar.

Happy Eid to All ..

If not impossible then it is very rare that majority of the Muslims across the globe celebrating Eid ul-Fitr on the same day and this rarity is just about to happen this year.

Reportedly, astronomical data hints that there is a possibility for sighting the new moon of Shawwal, 1432 AH in Pakistan on the evening of August 30, stated Pakistan Meteorological Office. 

On the other hand; the Islamic Crescent Observation Project (ICOP) is expecting that Eid-ul-Fitr this year will be celebrated in most of the Muslim countries on August 31 (Wednesday), a UAE-based newspaper reported. Although ICOP excluded few Muslim countries from this assumption based on the starting of Ramadan in these countries on August 1, including some countries in the Middle East, north and central Asia and northern Africa; but even then most of the Muslims will be celebrating Eid ul-Fitr on the same day, Wednesday (August 31).  

To continue reading .......... the link is given below:

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Muharram ul Haram 2010: Ashurah Will be Observed on 17th December - - Importance of Muharram and Background of Incident of Karbala

The 10th of Muharram ul Haram and Ashurah

In 2010 Ashurah will be observed on 17^th or 18^th of December subject to the sighting of moon. 

The Islamic year starts with Muharram ul Haram, the first month of the Hijri Calendar. Muharram ul Haram is one of the four months of Islamic Lunar Calendar declared sacred by Allah (SWT) in the Holy Qur'an. The other three months of Islamic Lunar Calendar are Rajab al-Murajab, Dhu al-Qa'dah and Dhu al-Hijjah.

In the Holy Qur'an verse 59 of Surah An Nisa, Allah (SWT) says:

"O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger and "Ulil Amr" (Those who are authorized to command) from among you."

While followers of other religions spend their beginning month in rubbish sort of ways to celebrate, the first month of Islam teaches us lessons of caution, good counselling, knowledge of Allah (SWT), sacrifice, selflessness, patience and seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT). 

The tenth day of Muharram (Ashurah) has many unique virtues and characteristics. Allah (SWT) created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He gave His countless blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the command of their enemies. 

Allah (SWT) created Hazrat Adam (Alaihis-Salam) in this month, pardoned him of his mistake, and Hazrat Noah’s (Alaihis-Salam) Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi, and he saved Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis-Salam) from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa (Alaihis-Salam) from Pharaoh.

Brief Background of Karbala Incident 

Hazrat Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu) was the youngest son of Hazrat Ali (Radi Allah Anhu) by Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)'s daughter Hazrat Fatimah (Radi Allah Anha). Hazrat Ali (Radi Allah Anhu) was the fourth Caliph of Islam. When Yazid, son of Muawiyah, became Caliph he demanded faithfulness from Hazrat Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu). He refused because of Yazid's wrong doings. Eventually he had to deal with Yazid. It had to be done, to rule out any further deterioration and eventual disintegration of Islam. 

Hazrat Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu) strengthened his campaign. He was determined to accomplish his mission by means more vigorous than had hitherto been used. He deserves full credit for the exemplary courage and composure with which he handled the ugly situation. He did not resort to aggression yet firmly resisted Yazid's bluster.

It all started with claims of Khilafat (Caliphate).

Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was ill, and death drew near. When Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked to choose a successor (leader) of the Muslims, he refused. When death took this great soul, Muslims were left leaderless.

It is said that at the time when Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) died, Hazrat Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) was telling others that Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who meant so much to them, could not die. Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) at this time went to Hazrat Muhammad’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) home and found his body lying in the laps of Ayesha (Radi Allah Anha). Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) came back, and tried to tell Hazrat Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) in private what has happened. Seeing that Hazrat Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) was not willing to pay attention, he declared that the prophet (peace and blessings upon him) has passed away, and recited this verse from the Qur’an: “Muhammad is but a prophet, (prophets) like whom has passed away in the past…“

Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) was elected the new leader of the Ummah (The Muslim community). A part of the Muslims wanted Hazrat Ali (may   Allah be pleased with him) ibn Abu Talib, who was of the same blood as Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to be the new leader. Some people (who later were to become the Shias) believed that only people of Hazrat Muhammad’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) blood should be leaders of the community. This is the main cause of friction between the Shias and the Sunnis. However, as Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) was elected, Hazrat Ali (Radi Allah Anhu) apparently accepted the new leader with some reservation (this is disputed). Upon being elected Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) gave this wonderful short speech which should be the spirit of modern day democracies:

    “The weak among you shall be strong with me until their rights have been vindicated; and the strong among you shall be weak with me until, if the Lord wills, I have taken what is due from them… Obey me as long as I obey God and His Messenger. When I disobey Him and His Prophet, then obey me not.”

After Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu)’s death (634 AD), Hazrat Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) was elected the caliph (assassinated, in 644 AD), followed by Hazrat Usman (Radi Allah Anhu) (again assassinated, 656 AD), followed by Hazrat Ali (Radi Allah Anhu) ibn Abu Talib (until 661, when he was assassinated while offering his prayers). These four leaders are called the four rightly guided leaders, or Al-Rashidun.

Hazrat Ali (Radi Allah Anhu)’s son Imam Hassan (Radi Allah Anhu) was a contestant for the Caliphate. The Syrian Muawiyah, who had been fighting Hazrat Ali (Radi Allah Anhu) for the Caliphate, now started preparing for a war. Imam Hassan (Radi Allah Anhu) avoided war by signing an agreement with him giving Muawiyah the Caliphate and thus saving bloodshed. Hassan (Radi Allah Anhu) was later poisoned to death.

After Muawiyah’s death, it was expected that Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu) (younger brother of Imam Hassan, Radi Allah Anhu) will contest for caliphate. But Muawiyah, before his death, nominated his son Yazid for the Caliphate. Thus the post of Caliphate became hereditary from this point. Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu) raised in revolution and was crushed and martyred at deserts of Karbala.

On the occasion of 10^th of Muharram the day of Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu)’s martyrdom is remembered. Muslims mourn the death of Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu). Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu) had to fight, for justice, even though he was too less in numbers (mythology say 72/73 on Imam Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu)’s side fought over a hundred thousands).

 

Dua-e-Ashurah - An insurance for a year’s Life

Hazrat Imam Zainul Abidain (Radi Allah Anhu) reports that who ever recites this dua( Dua-e- Ashurah) on the tenth of Muharram, any time after sunrise and before sunset, or listens to its recitation from someone else, Allah (SWT) will certainly make it an insurance for a years’ life for him, by keeping death away from him. However, if one is to become the victim of death in that year, they will by some strange coincidence not remember to recite it.

 

Nafl Salat for the Eve of Ashurah

On the eve of Ashurah offer 4 rakats Nafl Salat as follows: In every rakat after Surah Fateha recite "Ayetul Kursi" once and Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After completing this Namaz recite Surah Ikhlas 100 times. Allah (SWT) will purify such a person of all their sins and grant them endless bounties and blessings in paradise.

 

The Fast of Ashurah

On the 9th and 10th of Muharram, one should fast. If it is not possible to fast on both days, then every effort should be made to fast on the 10th day of Muharram, as there is great reward for this fast. (Muslim Shareef).

The following are some of the desirable acts one should do on the day of Ashurah:

1. To observe fast on this day.
2. To give as much charity as you can afford.
3. To perform Nafl Salat prayers.
4. To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times.
5. To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema.
6. To place a hand of affection on an orphan’s head.
7. To give generously to one’s relatives.
8. To put surma in one’s eyes.
9. To take a bath.
10. To cut one’s nails.
11. To visit the sick.
12. To establish friendly ties with one’s enemies.
13. To recite Dua-e- Ashurah

14. To visit the shrines of Awliyas and the graves of Muslims.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (Radi Allah Anhu), a Companion of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) reports the following saying of the Messenger of Allah (SWT),

"Whosoever prepares ample food and drink for his family on this sacred day and delights in feeding them generously, Allah (SWT) will increase His provisions for that year and place much blessings and good therein."

Another worth-reading article:

"Muharram-ul-Haram": 1st Month of Islamic Year -- Hazrat Imam Hussain alayhis 'salam And Incident of Karbala

To read in Urdu …. “Mah-e-Muharram ul Haram Aur Ashourah ki Haqeeqat” a beautiful article by Justice (Rtd.) Taqi Usmani:

http://www.darsequran.com/special/muharram/muharram.php

Nature, Background and Philosophy of Eid al-Adha (Eid-ul-Azha) - - Remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's Sacrifice

What is Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)..??

At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Makkah), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holy day of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). In 2010, Eid al-Adha will begin on approximately November 16^th/17^th, and will last for three days.

It is the second of the two major Muslim holy days. The other is Eid-ul-Fitr which follows Ramadan -- a lunar month of partial fasting. 

It is celebrated on the 10^th of Zul-Hijjah, the last month of Islamic calendar. Because the date of the Feast of Sacrifice is determined by a lunar calendar, it is observed about 11 days earlier each year with respect to the Gregorian calendar. Islamic months begin at sunset on the day when the lunar crescent appears after the new moon, and can be sighted by the unaided eye.  

"Visibility depends on a large number of factors including weather condition, the altitude of the moon at sunset, the closeness of the moon to the sun at sunset, the interval between sunset and moonset, atmospheric pollution, the quality of the eyesight of the observer, use of optical aids etc." 

As a result, although the phases of the moon can be predicted accurately, the moon's visibility at a given place on Earth cannot be estimated in advance. Thus, the feast day has always been celebrated on different days in various areas of the world.

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Ibrahim (A.S.)'s trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

What’s The Background of Eid al-Adha..??

During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.). The Qur'an describes Ibrahim (A.S.) as follows:

"Surely Ibrahim was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)

One of Ibrahim (A.S.)'s main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superseded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to obey Allah (S.W.T).

What’s The Philosophy of Eid al-Adha..??

The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.

It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)

Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

How is Eid al-Adha Celebrated..??

Muslims around the world celebrate this feast of commitment, obedience and self-sacrifice to Allah. They wear their nicest clothing and attend Salatul-Eid (Eid Prayer) in the morning. This is followed by a short sermon, after which everyone socializes. Next, people visit each other's homes and partake in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and desserts. Children receive gifts and sweets on this happy occasion. In addition, like the pilgrims in Makkah; the Muslims, who can afford to do so, offer domestic animals as a symbol of Ibrahim's sacrifice.

Hajj: Fifth Pillar of Islam - - Few Guidelines and Information About Performing Hajj

The Hajj (Pilgrimage) – Fifth Pillar of Islam:

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory act of worship (Ibadat); means to visit the Kaa'ba in Makkah on the specified dates in the month of Zul-Hijjah (Dhul-Hijjah) and perform the religious rites in accordance with the Islamic Laws.

Following conditions have to be fulfilled before Hajj becomes a compulsory duty on mankind.



The first condition is that of being a Muslim. Non-Muslims are, first and foremost, obliged to become Muslims after which the daily, monthly, yearly and once in a lifetime duties of Islam successively become requirements. Hajj is a religious duty which must be accompanied by the correct belief in order for it to be accepted by Allah.

The second and third conditions are those of sanity and puberty. A Muslim has to have reached puberty and be of sound mind for his or her Hajj to become a duty. Divine rewards and punishments are given as a result of human choice between good and evil. Since a child or an insane person lack the ability to distinguish between good and evil, no religious duties are required of them. This principle of non-obligation is based on the following Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon Him)was reported to have said: "The pen is raised from (the book of deeds) of three: the sleeper until he awakes, the child until he becomes a young man, and the insane until he regains his sanity."

The fourth condition is that of ability based on the following Quranic verse:

And, pilgrimage to the House is duty on mankind to Allah for those who can find a way there.

[Noble Quran 3:97]

The fifth condition is that of a Mahram, concerns women only and could be included under the condition of ability. Since the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade women from traveling for a distance requiring more than twenty-four hours unaccompanied by a male relative whom she can not marry (Mahram),women are not obliged to make Hajj unless they have a Mahram to accompany them. Thus, a woman without a Mahram is recommended not to try to make Hajj. However, if the woman has the means and the Mahram, she is obliged to do so.

Hazrat Ayshah asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): "O, Messenger of Allah, are women obliged to make Jihad (holy war)?" he replied, “They must make Jihad in which there is no fighting - Hajj and ‘Umrah.”

Forms of Pilgrimage (Types of Hajj):

There are three forms of Hajj:

Tamattu'- Ifrad - Qiran

Tamattu': A pilgrim wears Ihram for Umrah only during the months of Hajj, which means when he reaches Makkah, he makes Tawaf and Sa'i for ‘Umrah. He then shaves or clips his hair. On the day of Tarwiyah, which is the eighth of Zul-Hijjah (Zul-Hijjah (Dhul-Hijjah)), he puts on his Ihram for Hajj only and carries out all of its requirements.

Ifrad: A pilgrim wears Ihram for Hajj only. When he reaches Makkah, he performs Tawaf for his arrival and Sa'i for Hajj. He doesn't shave or clip his hair as he doesn't disengage from Ihram. Instead, he remains in Ihram till after he stones Jamrat Al-'Aqabah on the Eid day. It is permissible for him to postpone his Sa'i for Hajj until after his Tawaf for Hajj.

Qiran: A pilgrim wears Ihram for both ‘Umrah and Hajj or he wears Ihram first for ‘Umrah, then makes intentions for Hajj before his Tawaf for Hajj. The obligations on one performing Ifrad are the same as those on one performing Qiran, except that the latter must slaughter whereas the former is not obligated to do so. The best of the three forms is Tamattu'. It is the form that the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged his followers to perform. Even if a pilgrim makes intentions to perform Qiran or Ifrad he is allowed to change his intentions to Tamattu'; he can do this even after he has performed Tawaf and Sa'i.

The Journey of Hajj:

In the forenoon of the eighth day of Zul-Hijjah (Dhul-Hijjah), a pilgrim purifies himself once again by bathing as he did before ‘Umrah in the place in which he is staying, if convenient. He puts on his Ihram and says: "Here I am for Hajj. Here I am, oh Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partner. Here I am. Surely all praise, grace and dominion is yours, and you have no partners."

If he fears that something will prevent him from completing his Hajj he should make a condition when he makes his intentions, saying: "If I am prevented by any obstacle my place is wherever I am held up." If he has no such fear, he doesn't make this condition.

A pilgrim goes to Mina and there prays Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha' and Fajr, shortening his four unit prayers so as to make them two units each, without combining them.

When the sun rises, he goes to Arafah and there prays Dhuhr and Asr combined at the time of Dhuhr, making each one two units. He remains in Namira Mosque until sunset if possible. He remembers Allah and makes as many supplications as possible while facing the Qiblah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed thus: "There is no Deity but Allah alone. He has no partner. All dominion and praise are His and He is powerful over all things.

If he grows weary it is permissible for him to engage in beneficial conversation with his companions or reading what he can find of beneficial books, especially those concerning Allah's grace and abundant gifts. This will strengthen his hope in Allah.

He should then return to his supplications and be sure to spend the end of the day deep in supplication because the best of supplication is the supplication of the day of Arafat.

At sunset he goes from Arafah to Muzdalifah and there prays Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr. If he is tired or has little water, it is permissible for him to combine Maghrib and Isha. If he fears that he will not reach Muzdalifah until after midnight, he should pray before he reaches it for it is not permissible to delay prayer until after midnight. He remains there, in Muzdalifah, making supplications and remembering Allah till just before sunrise.

If he is weak and cannot handle the crowd during Ar-Ramy, it is permissible for him to go to Mina at the end of the night to stone the Jamrah before the arrival of the crowd.

Near sunrise, a pilgrim goes from Muzdalifah to Mina. Upon reaching it he does the following:

He throws seven consecutive pebbles at Jamrat Al-Aqabah which is the closest monument to Makkah, saying Greatest," as he: "Allah is the throws each pebble.

He slaughters the sacrificial animal, eats some of it, and gives some to the poor. Slaughter is obligatory on the Mutamatti' and Qarin.

He shaves or clips his hair; shaving is preferable. A woman clips her hair the length of a finger tip.

These three should be done in the above order if convenient, but there is no restriction if one precedes another.

With that, one is allowed to come out of Ihram. He can wear other clothing and do everything that was lawful before Ihram except engaging in marital relations.

He goes to Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-lfadah and Sa'i, also for Hajj. It is Sunnah to put perfume on before going to Makkah.

With the completion of this Tawaf and Sa'i, a pilgrim is allowed to do everything that was lawful before Ihram, including engaging in marital relations.

After performing Tawaf and Sa'i, he returns to Mina to spend the nights of the eleventh and twelfth days there.

He stones the three Jamrah in the afternoon of both the eleventh and twelfth days. He starts with the first Jamrah, which is furthest from Makkah, then the middle one, and lastly Jamrat Al-Aqabah. Each one should be stoned with seven consecutive pebbles accompanied by Takbir. He stops after the first and middle Jamrah to make supplications facing the Qiblah. It is not permissible to stone before noon on these two days. It is best to walk to the Jamrah, but riding is permissible.

If he is in a hurry after stoning on the twelfth day, he leaves Mina before sunset. But if he wishes to prolong his stay, which is best, he spends the night of the thirteenth in Mina and stones that afternoon in the same manner as on the twelfth day.

When he is ready to return to his country, he makes Tawaf Al-Wada', which is seven circuits around the Ka'bah. Menstruating women and women experiencing postnatal discharge are not obligated to perform Tawaf Al-Wada'.

Visiting The Prophet's Mosque (Masjid-e-Nabvi):

A pilgrim goes to Medina before or after Hajj with the intention of visiting the Prophet's mosque and praying in it. Prayer there is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere except in the Holy Mosque in Makkah.

Upon reaching the mosque he prays two Rak'ah of salutation or performs any obligatory prayer that is due.

He goes to the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and he stands before it. He greets him saying the "May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you, oh Prophet. May Allah grant you a good reward on behalf of your people."

He takes a step or two to his right to position himself before Abu Bakr and greets him saying: "May the peace, mercy, and blessing of Allah be upon you, oh Abu-Bakr, Caliph of the Messenger of Allah. May Allah be pleased with you and grant you a good reward on behalf of Muhammad's people."

Then he takes a step or two to his right to position himself before Umar and greets him saying: "May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you, oh Umar, Prince of the believers. May Allah be pleased with you and grant you a good reward on behalf of Muhammad's people."

In a state of purity, he goes to pray in Quba' Mosque.

He goes to Al-Baqi' to visit Uthman's grave. He stands before it and greets him saying: "May the peace, mercy and blessing of Allah be upon you,

Oh Uthman Prince of the believers. May Allah be pleased with you and grant you a good reward on behalf of Muhammad's people." He greets any other Muslims in Al-Baqi'.

He goes to Uhud and visits the grave of Hamzah and the other martyrs there with him. He greets them and prays to Allah to grant them forgiveness, mercy, and pleasure.

Chand Raat - - A Night Full of Celebration and Happiness

"Chand Raat" ... Festival Before Eid:

'Chand Raat' is considered to be the eve of Eid Moon or the night of the sighting of the new moon. The term Chand Raat refers to the evening on which first lunar crescent of the month of Shawwal is observed. It is celebrated as a very special occasion by Muslims all over the world. Chand Raat (pre-Eid night) is a multicultural Islamic celebration/event. Chand Raat which means 'night of the moon ' in the Urdu language marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid ul Fitr. Since the Islamic Calendar is lunar, Eid ul-Fitr is on the first of Shawwal - the tenth month of the Islamic year.

"Chand Raat" ... Markets and Bazaars:

On this special night, City streets, markets, shopping malls gives a look of a festival. They are decorated very brightly. Markets and shopping malls remain open till late night. This is the eve on which gifts are exchanged among friends, family and loved ones. People wear their best dresses to celebrate and enjoy this eve. Parents try their best to get the best clothes and Eid gifts for their children so that they can enjoy the full excitement of Eid day.

"Chand Raat" ... And Bangles (Churiyan):

Woman always inclined towards jewellery on special occasions like Eid and hardly imagine about Eid celebration without jewellery and makeup. Colourful and Bright Churiyan (bangles) lit the whole market with its beauty and vibrant colours.

People from all age groups can be seen in the markets buying Bangles for themselves or their loved ones. The tradition of buying bangles for Eid on the “Chand Raat” (The night before Eid) is still a much practiced Eid ritual.

The young girls would take to the markets on the night before Eid where they would buy colourful bangles and specially prepared ‘bangle sets’ to be worn on Eid Day. Bangles have been an integral part of a women’s life since her childhood in the subcontinent.

"Chand Raat" ... And Henna (Mehndi):

The latest type of henna (Mehndi) “glitter tattoos” and Bangles in different patterns and designs have hit the markets, as colourful henna tattoos with glossy appeal add magnificence to the Eid festivities.

Shiny bangles, jewellery, bright clothes with matching footwear are part and parcel of the Eid festivities but applying glittering henna on hands and feet bring real fun for the young girls on “Chand Raat”.

Now the henna tattoos are also available in markets and are easy to paste on hands and feet and can be removed easily. The young girls admire henna tattoos associated with celebrations of Eid specifically.