Eid ul Adha 2024 in New Zealand:

As per FIANZ, the month of Dhul Hijjah 1445H started on Sun, 9 June. Eid-ul Adha is expected to be observed on Tue, 18 June 2024 (corresponding to 10th Dhul Hijjah 1445H).

Holy pilgrimage HAJJ 2024 dates: Fri evening, 14th June to Wed evening, 19th June 2024

Eid Ul Fitr Dates for 2024

EID-UL FITR in NZ and Fiji: 11 Apr (Moon has been sighted as per FIANZ)

EID-UL-FITR in India: 11 Apr

Eid Al Fitr 2024 across the globe:

• Tue 9 Apr: Morocco
• Wed 10 Apr: Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, UK, Yemen
• Thu 11 Apr: Bangladesh, Fiji, Ghana, India, New Zealand

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.

Ramadan 2024 in New Zealand:

As per the Federation of Islamic Association of New Zealand (Inc), the new moon of Ramadan 1445H was not sighted on Monday, 11 Mar 2024. Therefore Wed 13 Mar will be the first day of Ramadan 1445H in New Zealand.

Ramadan in other countries starts on these dates:

• Monday, 11 March: Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA
• Tuesday, 12 March: Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Singapore
• Wednesday, 13 March: New Zealand

RAMADAN / RAMZAAN and EID 2024 in NZ

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.

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

Shab e Qadr or Laylat al Qadr, The Night of Power / Night of Decree is the holiest night during Ramadan. It is also known as Laylatul Qadr, Lailatul Qadr or Lailatul Qadar. Special prayers are organised on this night.

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.