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The Muslim Calender is a Lunar Calender as its calculation is made on the movement of the moon. The New Moon Day is therefore the first day of the Muslim Month.
"CHAND-RAAT" is the night of the sighting of the New Moon. Ismailis observe this night and gather in large numbers for the evening prayers.
Ghat Pat ceremony for Ab-e-Safa is established and Thad Sufro is offered. Chanta ceremony is performed on this night after the two evening prayers.
A special majlis, known as the Chandraat Majlis is also held. This majlis was started in accordance with the special wishes of our 48th Imam Hazrat Mowlana Sultan Muhammed Shah. That it carries a great religious significance, can be seen from the following special message from Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah sent to the Dar-es-Salaam Jamat:
"As the Chand Raat Majlis is held only once a month, it is of immense importance that our beloved spiritual spiritual children attend in large numbers. It is a day of the New Moon and it will create happiness and spiritual peace. All should enrol as members of this majlis and be encouraged to attend regularly."
From the above quoted Holy message it can be seen that Chand Raat carries with it spiritual blessings which can be gained by attending the Jamati prayers and the special Majlis.
Like every other night it is just a night, but when Imam tells us of its spiritual benefits, these are surely realized.
In the Majlis, Salwaat and Bibi Fatima's Tasbihs are recited. Bibi Fatima's Tasbih comprises of the following:
(1) Allahu Akbar - Allah is Great
(2) Subhan Allah - Glory be to Allah
(3) Alhamdulillah All Praise is due to Allah.
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