THE moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia declared that the Shawwal crescent could not be sighted in the Kingdom today. As a result, the holy month of Ramadan will continue until April 9, lasting 30 days. Eid Al Fitr will, therefore, be observed on April 10.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia had called on all Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the Shawwal crescent on the evening of Monday, Ramadan 29.
Earlier, the International Astronomical Center had said that some countries that marked the beginning of Ramadan on Monday, March 11, would expect a crescent sighting on Monday, April 8. However, this sighting might be unclear due to the moon setting before the sun, leading to a conjunction occurring after sunset.
Meanwhile, countries that started Ramadan on Tuesday, March 12, can expect a moon crescent sighting on Tuesday, April 9. The center said that a sighting would be possible on that day.
In the UAE, the Emirates Astronomical Society also forecasts that Eid would begin on April 10.
The sighting of the Shawwal moon marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid Al Fitr. It’s a time for joyous gatherings and breaking the fast with family and friends.
While the exact date varies based on lunar sightings, Nigeria is expected to celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr on April 10 this year too.
