Eid & Moon Sighting

The two Eids—Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha—are significant Islamic celebrations observed at the Jumu’a Mosque of Cape Town. Both are performed in congregation at the mosque, bringing the community together in grateful submission, praise, and glorification of Allah.

Moon Sighting and the Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar is lunar, and the determination of Eid dates depends on the sighting of the new moon marking the end of Ramadan (for Eid ul-Fitr) and the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah (for Eid ul-Adha). The Jumu’a Mosque of Cape Town follows the established practice of local moon sighting, with the official confirmation made by the Amir of the Community in consultation with the Jama’a of the Jumu’a Mosque of Cape Town.

Eid ul-Fitr

Timing: Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, immediately following the completion of the Ramadan fast.

Maliki Fiqh: According to the Maliki school, as transmitted by Mālik ibn Anas and codified in the Mudawwana, Eid ul-Fitr becomes obligatory upon the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal. The Maliki school emphasizes the community’s role in moon-sighting verification, requiring reliable reports (akhbār al-thiqāt) to establish the date. This principle is central to early Maliki jurisprudence, documented through the transmissions of Ibn al-Qāsim and Ashhab.

Prayer Format: The Eid prayer consists of two units (rak’ahs) performed in congregation. The prayer begins with seven additional takbīrāt (proclamations of “Allahu Akbar”) in the first unit, followed by five in the second. Between and after these takbīrāt, verses of the Qur’an are recited. The prayer is followed by the sermon (khutbah) and communal greetings.

Eid ul-Adha

Timing: Eid ul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, coinciding with the completion of the pilgrimage (hajj) in Mecca.

Maliki Fiqh: The Maliki school, as established in the foundational Mudawwana and transmitted through early scholars including Ibn al-Qāsim and Sāḥnūn, establishes Eid ul-Adha on the confirmed sighting of the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah. The Maliki jurists stress the importance of community testimony in determining the Islamic calendar dates, with the Amir or qualified community leaders bearing responsibility for the announcement.

Prayer Format: Like Eid ul-Fitr, the Eid ul-Adha prayer consists of two units with the same structure of additional takbīrāt. Following the prayer and sermon, many congregants participate in the ritual sacrifice (qurbān), which is a central aspect of this Eid.

Announcement and Preparation

Once the moon is sighted and confirmed by the Amir of the Community, the Jama’a of the Jumu’a Mosque of Cape Town are notified of the Eid date. Prayer times will be announced via the community communications channels, with the website calendar updated accordingly. Congregants are encouraged to prepare spiritually and practically, with information regarding prayer times and any relevant guidance shared through the mosque’s communication channels.