Saudi Arabia announces Eid-ul-Fitr on March 20 after Shawwal moon not sighted
Riyadh, March 18, KNT: Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on March 20, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday evening, authorities said.
The announcement followed deliberations by the Kingdom’s moon-sighting committee, which assessed reports from across the country before confirming that the crescent was not visible, thereby completing 30 days of Ramadan.
The decision aligns with established Islamic practice, where the beginning of a new lunar month is determined by physical sighting of the crescent moon.
With the non-sighting of the moon, Thursday will mark the final day of Ramadan, and Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, in Saudi Arabia.
Officials said the process was carried out in accordance with traditional procedures, involving verified testimonies and observations from designated locations.
The development is closely watched globally, as several countries take cues from Saudi Arabia’s announcement while determining their own Eid dates.
In the United Arab Emirates, Eid-ul-Fitr is also expected to fall on March 20 based on astronomical calculations, though authorities there said the final confirmation will depend on local moon-sighting.
In Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India, Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to be observed a day later, subject to local moon sighting.
Religious scholars said differences in dates across regions are common due to geographical variations and reliance on local or regional moon sightings.
Preparations for Eid have begun in Saudi Arabia, with authorities making arrangements for congregational prayers and public gatherings.
The festival marks the end of the holy month of fasting and is celebrated with prayers, charity and community gatherings.
Further announcements are expected from religious bodies in different countries as local moon-sighting processes are completed. [KNT]
