Eid Al-Adha / Eid ul Adha / Bakri Id on 1st Aug (day may vary)

Eid-ul-adha 2020 in New Zealand

As per The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand Inc, the moon for Zul Hijjah was not sighted on 21st July 2020, therefore, 30th of Zul Qaadah 1441H will be on 22nd July 2020. The month of Zul Hijjah will begin on Thu 23rd July 2020.

In New Zealand, Eid ul adha will be observed on Sat 1st Aug 2020 (corresponding to 10th Zul Hijjah 1441H)

Event at Eden Park stadium, Auckland on 1st Aug. Takbeer 8.15am, Prayer 9am. Event ends 3.30pm

Eid Al-Adha family event on 1st Aug, 223A Linwood Avenue, White building (Old KFC building) 8.30am Iqamah, 9: Light breakfast. Family event.

Ramadan & Eid 2020 in New Zealand

• MOON SIGHTED! Eid 2020 date in New Zealand as per FIANZ is 24th May 2020
• India and Bangladesh to celebrate Eid on Monday 25th May. Karnataka & Kerala coastal and few part of India to celebrate Eid on Sunday 24th.
• Australia, Bahrain, Fiji, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UAE, UK celebrating first day of Eid al Fitr on Sunday 24th May 2020
• New Zealand Government advise and guidelines due to Covid situation
• FIANZ Level 2 Guidelines for mosques added in gallery below
• Eid special lights on Skytower and Eden Park

RAMADAN / Ramzaan 2020 in NZ FASTING STARTS 25th April (As per Moon sighting in New Zealand)

Ramadan (رمضان‎ pronounced Ramzaan in Indian subcontinent) is the holiest month of the year for Muslims. Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on the night of Laylat Al Qadr. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan lasts for one complete Moon cycle which is approximately 29 or 30 days.

As per the federation of Islamic association of New Zealand (FIANZ) Hilal Committee, the new moon for Ramadan 1441H has not been sighted on 23rd April. Therefore 24th April is 30th of Sha’ban and Saturday 25th April 2020 is 1st of Ramadan in New Zealand (1441H). Please check FIANZ advice for Ramadan 2020 and timetable.

Fasting (रोजा) is observed by adult Muslims from dawn to dusk every day throughout Ramadan. Those who are ill, elderly, diabetic, pregnant, menstruating, with health issues or breast-feeding are not required to fast. Eid festival is celebrated at the end of Ramadan month.

Typical day during Ramadan for most Muslims is as follows:

• Waking up before dawn to eat (Suhoor)
• Performing the morning prayer
• Fasting during daylight (prayers)
• Breaking fast (Iftar), usually with dates
• Evening prayer
• Special prayer during Ramadan (Taraweeh)

Here are some tips for healthy eating during Ramadan:

• Add fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables in your meals.
• Drink plenty of water with meals and before sleeping
• Have a bowl of soup
• Eat slowly, especially at Iftar to avoid indigestion
• Avoid consuming tea or coffee.
• Avoid eating salty and deep fried food

In Indian subcontinent, night before Eid is called Chand Raat (चांद रात). Women, specially young girls will apply traditional Mehendi (Henna / मेहन्दी). Eid is known as Ramzan Id or Eid-Ul-Fitr or Mithi Eid (मीठी ईद). People visit markets and sweets are prepared & distributed, specially Sivaiyya Kheer (सिंवैय्या खीर). Other popular sweets are Lachha, Gulab Jamun, Sheer Khurma, Jalebi etc. It is very common for Hindus and other people of other faith to visit Muslim friends & neighbors to convey Eid greetings.

Prayer time may vary as per Moon time or Moon sighting in New Zealand, please refer to local prayer hall in New Zealand / Mosque for details. There are many websites such as aladhan.com which provide location based prayer time. Ramadan is also written as Ramadaan, Ramazan, Ramathan, Ramadhan or Ramdhan at few places.

As New Zealand is in Southern Hemisphere, the Moon rise and Moon set timings are completely different than Northern Hemisphere countries like Saudi Arabia or India.  One can not simply take the time difference to decide on the exact date/time of the starting date of Ramadhan.

Ramadhan Kareem. Happy Ramadan.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy. Please follow NZ Government Covid19 guidelines.

See also: NZ Festival calendar 2020