Eid ul Adha 2023 in New Zealand:

The Hilal committee of FIANZ confirmed that 20 June is first day of Dhul Hijjah 144hH. Eid ul Adha will be probably observed on Thursday, 29 June 2023 in New Zealand.

Eid Ul Fitr Dates for 2023

EID-UL FITR in NZ: 22 April 2023 (New Moon for Shawaal has been sighted, as confirmed by FIANZ)

EID-UL-FITR in India: 22 Apr 2023

Eid Al Fitr 2023 across the globe:

• Fri 21 Apr: Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Germany, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkiye, Qatar, UAE
• Sat 22 Apr: Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand

Moonrise and Moonset time and direction for April 2023 in Auckland

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 in New Zealand and India from 24 March 2023

Dates for Ramadan and Eid for 2023 (day may vary as per local moon sighting)

• Ramadan begins: 24 March in New Zealand (Moon not sighted on 22 March as per FIANZ)
• Laylat Al Qadr / Night of power / Shab-i-Qadr / Holiest night of the year: 17 Apr
• Eid al-fitr: Community will look out for new moon of shawaal 1444H on 21 Apr corresponding to 29 Ramadan 1444H to determine Eid day
• Waqf al Arafa / Day of Arafah: 26/27 June
• Hajj pilgrim: 26 June to 1 July
• Eid al-adha / Bakri Id: 28 June

Ramadan 2023 start dates in other countries:

• 23 Mar: Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine, Sudan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Tunisia, Qatar, Libya, UAE, Yemen
• 24 Mar: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand

Events:

Ramadan Night Market, 15 Apr, 6pm to 8pm at New Lynn Community Center, 45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn, Auckland

RAMADAN / RAMZAAN and EID 2023 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.