The announcement of the first day of Eid al-Fitr has been made. Eid al-Fitr is a significant celebration for Muslims worldwide, marking the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting from dawn to dusk. The festival commences on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, following the sighting of the new crescent moon.
Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Eid al-Fitr will start on Friday, March 20, as the new crescent moon was not sighted in the kingdom. Various countries have their methods for determining Eid dates. For instance, Morocco relies on its national moon-sighting system, while some communities, such as those in the UK, may follow Morocco’s calendar.
In Australia, the Eid al-Fitr celebration has also been set for Friday, March 20, by the Australian National Imams Council and the Australian Fatwa Council. They utilized a calculated method to determine the start of Shawwal and Eid based on moon positioning and visibility in the region.
The UAE Moon-Sighting Committee has aligned with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, declaring Friday, March 20, as the beginning of Eid al-Fitr. In the UAE, government employees will have a public holiday from March 19 to March 22, with work resuming on March 23.
In Qatar, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs announced that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20, following the Crescent Sighting Committee’s confirmation of the Shawwal crescent moon not being sighted.
Eid al-Fitr begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, indicating the end of Ramadan. Muslims follow their local or national moon-sighting systems, leading to variations in the Eid start date. The moon sighting is crucial as it signifies the end of fasting and the commencement of celebrations.
Preparations are underway globally as Muslims gear up for Eid al-Fitr, with various traditions and customs being observed. As the festive occasion approaches, Muslims engage in acts of worship, reflection, charity, and communal prayer, embracing the spirit of unity and generosity during this auspicious time.