Eid In Saudi Arabia On Wednesday, Crescent Moon Not Sighted
The crescent moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia, according to reports. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr, the celebration following the completion of Ramadan fasting, will be on Wednesday, April 10, after completing 30 days of the month. The Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims only when the new moon is visible. Muslims across the globe celebrate Eid over a difference of one or two days as per the visibility of the new moon. Other Gulf countries like Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain is also unlikely to celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Tuesday.
The observation for the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia was undertaken mainly at two locations: the main observatories of Sudair and Tumair. Abdullah Al-Khudairi, chief Astronomer in Saudi Arabia, has reportedly said that it was difficult to see the Shawwal crescent because of the clouds.
On Saturday, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called on all Muslims across the nation to sight the crescent of Shawwal moon Monday evening, Ramadan 29, 1445 Hijri, corresponding to April 08, 2024. In an announcement, the Supreme Court called on whoever sights the crescent moon with naked eyes or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.
Meanwhile, Qatar”s Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has said Eid will celebrated on April 10 as the crescent moon was not sighted there as well. A journalist based out Dubai quoted government agencies has also said Eid Al Fitr in UAE will be celebrated on April 10 as the crescent moon was not sighted in the region.
