Shawwal Crescent Moon not sighted in Saudi Arabia
Eid al-Fitr 2024: The Shawwal Crescent Moon wasn’t sighted in Saudi Arabia on April 8, thus Eid Al Fitr will be on April 10. India may celebrate on April 11 due to moon sighting. Kerala’s Eid date relies on Saudi sighting.
Abdullah al-Khudairi, director of the astronomical observatory at the University of Majmaah, told Arabic chaneel Al Ekhbariya, “It is difficult to see the Shawwal crescent because of the clouds.”
“The moon will set before the sun, therefore Shawwal crescent will not be seen,” he added.
It is noteworthy that the Supreme court on Saturday, April 6, called on all Muslims in all parts of the Kingdom to sight the crescent of the month of Shawwal 1445, on Monday evening.
On the other hand, Eid Al-Fitr celebrations marks the end of the month-long fast. It is traditionally celebrated with large gatherings for worshippers to pray and break their fasts.
In Islam, Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar or lunar calendar consisting of twelve months beginning with Muharram, and ending with Zul-Hijjah. Each month starts with the sighting of the moon.
