Why Does India Celebrate Eid a Day After Saudi Arabia? Understanding Sharia and Moon Sighting
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Why India Celebrates Eid a Day After Saudi Arabia: Unpacking Moon Sighting & Sharia
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News18•18-03-2026, 11:50
Why India Celebrates Eid a Day After Saudi Arabia: Unpacking Moon Sighting & Sharia
•Eid-ul-Fitr, based on the Islamic lunar calendar, is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, following the sighting of the new moon (Hilal).
•India celebrates Eid a day after Saudi Arabia primarily due to geographical location and time differences; Saudi Arabia is west of India, allowing the moon to be sighted there earlier.
•The Islamic principle of 'Ruyat-e-Hilal' emphasizes local moon sighting, meaning each region follows its own observation rather than relying on other countries.
•Indian 'Markazi Hilal Committees' confirm moon sightings based on local witnesses and scientific evidence, not Saudi Arabia's announcement.
•Exceptions like Kerala and sometimes Jammu and Kashmir may celebrate Eid with Saudi Arabia due to historical maritime connections and similar geographical conditions.