The global confirmation of the first day of Eid al-Fitr has been announced. 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 of the Islamic lunar calendar, following the sighting of the new crescent moon.
Saudi Arabia has officially declared that Eid al-Fitr will commence on Friday, March 20, as the crescent moon was not sighted in the kingdom after the Maghrib prayer. The country’s religious scholars conducted sky observations to determine the start of the festivities.
Saudi Arabia has praised a temporary truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan in anticipation of Eid Al Fitr, emphasizing continued diplomatic efforts. While Saudi Arabia traditionally sets the Eid dates due to its Islamic significance, other countries like Morocco use their moon-sighting systems, with some communities, including those in the UK, following Morocco’s calendar.
In the United States, Eid is a time for large community gatherings, particularly family-focused events featuring various activities like face painting and outdoor fairs. In Egypt, families partake in Eid prayers before engaging in socializing and traditional practices like giving cash gifts and enjoying Kahk cookies.
Malaysia’s Eid traditions include open-house gatherings and Mudik homecomings, with adults giving green packets containing money to children and guests symbolizing prosperity. In Indonesia, people return to their home villages for family reunions and prayers, with bustling markets selling festive items leading up to the holiday.
Various countries like Australia, Singapore, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, and the UAE have confirmed the first day of Eid al-Fitr based on moon sightings. Different regions follow diverse moon-sighting criteria, impacting the timing of Eid celebrations.
Communities worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr with prayers, family gatherings, and traditional customs, reflecting the diversity and cultural significance of the holiday. The exact date of Eid varies annually due to the lunar calendar, emphasizing the importance of moon sightings in determining the start of the festivities.