RIYADH: There is a disagreement among Arab and Muslim astronomers and astronomical institutions regarding the first day of the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr this year.
Some argue that Eid will fall on Friday, while others claim that it will be on Saturday. The divergence of views is due to various factors, including the solar eclipse and the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.
Only clear weather and the sighting of the Shawwal crescent on Thursday evening can put an end to the controversy.
The National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics in Egypt predicts that Eid-ul-Fitr will be on Friday, while the International Astronomical Center in Abu Dhabi predicts that it will be on Saturday.
The sighting of the Shawwal crescent on Thursday evening is very difficult and requires a professional observer, an advance telescope, and exceptional weather conditions.
Countries that require correct sighting of the moon with the naked eye only and correct local vision with a telescope are expected to continue observing fasting to complete 30 days, and therefore Eid-ul-Fitr will be on Saturday for them.
Some experts predict that Eid will fall on Friday, April 21, while others believe it will be on Saturday, April 22, depending on their astronomical calculations.
Saudi Supreme Court calls on Muslims to look for Eid-ul-Fitr crescent
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on all Muslims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to look for the Shawwal crescent on Thursday evening, Ramadan 29, corresponding to April 20, and to inform their nearest court if they sight it with the naked eye or through binoculars so that their testimony can be registered.
The sighting of the Shawwal crescent on Thursday evening is considered difficult and may require a precise telescope, a professional observer, and exceptional weather conditions.
The NRIAG denied any expected impact of the solar eclipse on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.
