In Saudi Arabia, the sighting of the Shawwal moon was awaited eagerly on Tuesday to determine the start of Eid ul Fitr celebrations.
However, the moon was not sighted, leading to the decision to celebrate Eid ul Fitr on Wednesday.
Shawwal Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia
Last Saturday, Saudi authorities encouraged citizens to keep an eye out for the Shawwal moon on the evening of April 8.
The Saudi Supreme Court emphasized the importance of reporting any moon sightings promptly to the relevant authorities.
According to Sharia law, moon sightings can be confirmed with the naked eye or binoculars, and the discovery must be reported to the nearest court or center.
Significance of Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr
Ramadan, which began on March 11 in 2024, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset.
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with feasts, communal prayers, and gift-giving. This Eid, which falls in the month of Shawwal, spans three days of festivities.
Different Predictions in Pakistan
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the Meteorological Office has predicted that Eid ul Fitr will begin on April 10.
This prediction is based on expectations of sighting the Shawwal moon on April 9.
Details of Moon Sighting
According to the Meteorological Office in Pakistan, the crescent moon is expected to be born on April 8 at 11:21 pm local time.
By the time of Maghrib prayer the next day, the moon will be between 19 and 20 hours old.
The crescent will be visible for over 50 minutes around sunset, providing an opportunity for moon sighting and subsequent confirmation of Eid ul Fitr start date.
