SELAMAT IDUL FITRI. minal aidin wal faidzin. 1 syawal 1429H

Idul Fitri (Eid-ul Fitr, Eid al-Fitr) 2008 / 1429 is three days away. For Indonesian Muslim (and non Muslim alike) it’s the biggest holyday as some offices remain closed for about a week. Many Indonesians who work in the capital or anywhere outside one’s original place are supposed to do mudik or pulang kampung (going home) to meet their respective families, old-days friends and some have a “hidden agenda” of showing off one’s success (in terms of career, achievement, wealth, etc).

In short, Idul Fitri holiday is the most awaited and celebrated days in Indonesia. And for you all, I wish you a Happy Eid and Holyday. Selamat Lebaran. Mohon Maaf Lahir Batin and Happy pulang kampung too.

When is Eid ul-Fitri 2008/1429 be observed?

1. Indonesia: Muslim both under Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) organisation may celebrate it on Wednesday (October 1). Government via Departmen of Religious Affairs also announced last night the same announcement with NU & Muhammadiyah as they are unable to see the hilal (crescent) on Monday.

2. India mostly on Wednesday October 1. Pakistan probably October 2.

3. Saudi Arabia will observe Idul Fitri on Tuesday according to an official announcement.

“The Astronomical New Moon is on Monday, September 29, 2008 at 8:12 GMT, 4:12 am EDT, 1:12 am PDT).

“It will not be visible on September 29 except small possibility in Ploynesian Islands. On Tuesday, September 30, it will be visible in New Zealand Australia, Indonesia, South Asia, Africa and Americas.

“In North America on September 30, it can be seen in Southern belt states. So, Eidul-Fitr is expected on Wednesday, October 1, most of the world, Insha-Allah. Also, according to the criteria adopted by Fiqh Council of North America, and European Council for Fatwa and Research, the first day of Shawwal is on Wednesday, October 1, 2008, which would be after completing 30 days of Ramadan.

“In the UK moon cannot be sighted on Sep 29 or Sep 30, 2008. Sighting in UK could only be on October 1.

“However a new Fatawa from Deoband, India, is that even if moon is seen in as far south as South Africa, UK will accept that sighting. According to this criterion Eid in UK will be on October 1, Insha-Allah, because the moon should be easily visible in Australia and South Africa on September 30.

In Pakistan, moon may not be seen on Septmber 30, except by high powered telescope. So, Eid in Pakistan is expected to be on Octber 2, 2008.”