Muslims worldwide are gearing up to observe the sighting of the moon to mark the beginning of the Islamic lunar month of Shawwal, which heralds the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, signifying the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan.
Various countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, and Turkey, have issued moonsighting forecasts for Eid-ul-Fitr 2024.
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the two major Eid festivals in the Islamic calendar, characterized by feasting, communal gatherings, prayers, and the exchange of gifts. This Eid spans three days and falls within the month of Shawwal.
The specific date for Eid-ul-Fitr is determined based on efforts to sight the crescent of the new moon.
In summary, when will Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr this year?
Shawwal moonsighting in UK
People in the UK have been requested to sight the moon for Shawwal today (April 8) but astronomical predictions recommend that the moon will not be visible.
HM Nautical Almanac Office said — a UK government agency providing astronomical data for religious organisations, the armed forces and calendar manufacturers — the moon should easily be visible on April 9 (Tuesday) and April 10 (Wednesday).
Shawwal moonsighting in US
The US is set to witness a total solar eclipse today which is also when Muslims in the country will be looking for the Shawwal moon in the sky.
However, experts say it’s very unlikely to spot the crescent within hours of a new moon.
According to the US Naval Observatory, sighting a lunar crescent within a day of a new moon is “usually difficult” and that means Eid most likely won’t fall on April 9 and may be celebrated on April 10.
Shawwal moonsighting in UAE
The United Arab Emirates moon-sighting committee has invited all Muslims in the country to sight the crescent of the month of Shawwal on Monday evening, which corresponds to 29th Ramadan.
The International Astronomy Center has forecasted that Ramadan is likely to last for 30 days this year, predicting Eid-ul-Fitr to fall on April 10.
Shawwal moonsighting in Morocco
Astronomical predictions suggest that the moon will not be visible in Morocco today, but it may be easily visible on Tuesday, April 9, and Wednesday, April 10.
Though, the official statement in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, will be made after sunset. The sunset in Rabat on Tuesday will occur at 6:55pm and moonset at 8:04pm.
Shawwal moonsighting in Turkey
Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 in Turkey is predictable to fall on April 11. However, the exact day of the celebration will be confirmed following the crescent moon sighting.
