- Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Moon Sighting: Preparation for Shawwal Crescent Moon.
- If sighted, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on April 9, otherwise, it will be observed on April 10, 2024.
- Muslims worldwide, including those in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan, US, UK, UAE, and Qatar, will be ready to witness the Shawwal crescent moon.
Live Coverage of Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Moon Sighting: Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan, US, UK, Qatar, and Other Countries Prepare to Observe Shawwal Crescent Moon
During the total solar eclipse tonight, the moon will briefly obscure the sun completely, aligning with the Earth in a straight line. This phenomenon will cause temporary darkness during the daytime in several countries.
Consequently, the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, which marks the end of Ramadan 2024 and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr, may be delayed until April 9, 2024. The eclipse will last for four minutes, illuminating the sun’s outer layer.
Since fasting began on March 11, 2024, the Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia has urged Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the new crescent moon on the evening of Monday, Ramadan 29, 1445 Hijri, corresponding to April 8, 2024. If sighted, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on April 9; otherwise, it will be observed on April 10, 2024. This suggests that Muslims may fast for 30 days this Ramadan instead of 29.
According to the source, the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will occur from 9:12 pm to 2:22 am. Muslims worldwide, including those in Saudi Arabia, the USA, the UK, the UAE, and Qatar, will be ready to sight the Shawwal crescent moon, marking the end of Ramadan 2024 and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr.
This festival is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, following the sighting of the new moon. As Ramadan concludes either on April 8 or April 9, 2024, sky gazers and celestial enthusiasts can enjoy the new moon alongside a total solar eclipse in specific locations on Earth.
Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon NOT sighted in Saudi Arabia
The Shawwal crescent moon was not observed in Saudi Arabia, indicating that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on Tuesday evening to observe the Shawwal moon, as per the forecast by the Meteorological Department. The prediction suggests that Eid ul Fitr might occur on April 10, as the sighting of the Shawwal moon is anticipated on April 9. The Meteorological Department of Pakistan has forecasted that the crescent will be visible from April 8 at 11:21 PM, and it will be approximately 19 to 20 hours old by the next day during the Maghrib prayer. The crescent is expected to remain visible for more than 50 minutes around sunset.
Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in Qatar
Eid-ul-Fitr and the first day of Shawwal 2024 in Qatar will fall on Wednesday, April 10th.
Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in Australia
The Australian Fatwa Council has verified that the Shawwal crescent will emerge on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at precise timings in Sydney and Perth. This day will mark the conclusion of Ramadan, with Eid-ul-Fitr festivities scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in Canada
In Canada, the sighting of the Shawwal crescent for Eid-ul-Fitr is expected on Tuesday, April 9. If the crescent is not sighted on that day, Eid will be observed on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in US
The United States Naval Observatory reportedly stated, “The sighting of the lunar crescent within one day of new moon is usually difficult. The crescent at this time is quite thin, has a low surface brightness, and can easily be lost in the twilight. Generally, the lunar crescent will become visible to suitably-located, experienced observers with good sky conditions about one day after new moon. However, the time that the crescent actually becomes visible varies quite a bit from one month to another. Naked-eye sightings as early as 15.5 hours after new moon have been reliably reported while observers with telescopes have made reliable reports as early as 12.1 hours after new moon.”
Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in the United Kingdom
Tonight, western parts of Europe are expected to witness a partial eclipse, with certain regions in the British Isles, particularly western Scotland and Ireland, having the opportunity to observe the moon partially obscuring the sun. While the appearance of the new moon, depicted as a dark circle against the sun’s bright surface, will be visible, it is crucial for observers to report the emergence of the initial thin crescent around the moon’s periphery before the commencement of Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 is officially announced.
According to Birmingham Mail, Midlands-based moonsighting expert Dr Zahid Nawaz said, “There is a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, which will impact the visibility of the Shawwal crescent moon this year. This impacts only those countries who attempt to sight the crescent. However, those who follow astronomical calculations will also be impacted as the moon sets before sunset on Monday.”
