Riyadh: The Shawwal crescent moon has been sighted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on Thursday, April 20. This means Eid Al-Fitr will be on Friday, April 21.
Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait also announced that Eid Al-Fitr would be celebrated on Friday, April 21, following the sighting of the crescent moon.
Therefore, Thursday was the last and 29th day of Ramzan 1444 AH.
The Shawwal crescent was observed using a technique of astronomical imaging. It was observed across the Kingdom in all observatories including Sudair and Tumair.
The Saudi Supreme Court confirmed the sighting and announced Friday as the beginning of Eid.
It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court on Wednesday called on all Muslims in all parts of the Kingdom to sight the crescent of the month of Shawwal 1444, on Thursday evening, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
On the other hand, Eid Al-Fitr celebrations marks the end of the month-long fast. Eid Al-Fitr 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.
