THE Shawwal crescent moon is sighted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on Saturday, March 29.
Therefore, today (Saturday) would be the last day of the holy month of Ramadan in the holy cities and Sunday, March 30th will be the first day of Shawwal – Eid Al Fitr.
It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court on Friday called on all Muslims in all parts of the Kingdom to sight the crescent of the month of Shawwal 1446AH, on Saturday evening, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
While the exact date varies based on lunar sightings, Nigeria is expected to celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr on Sunday, March 30th this year too.
Countries like Malaysia, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia have officially announced Monday, March 31st as the first day of Shawwal and Eid Al Fitr.
On the other hand, Eid Al-Fitr celebrations marks the end of the month-long fast.
Eid Al-Fitr is traditionally celebrated with large gatherings for worshippers to pray and break their fasts.
In Islam, Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar or lunar calendar consisting of twelve months beginning with Muharram, and ending with Zul-Hijjah. Each month starts with the sighting of the moon.
