The International Astronomy Centre has predicted that Eid Al Fitr may fall on Saturday, April 22. However, the final confirmation of the exact date will depend on the sighting of the moon.
According to a social media post by the IAC, the crescent of the month of Shawwal (Eid al Fitr 1444 AH) will be investigated by Islamic countries on Thursday, April 20, 2023 AD.
“Seeing the crescent on Thursday is not possible with the naked eye from anywhere in the Arab and Islamic world, with the exception of parts of West Africa starting from Libya, but vision remains very difficult and requires an accurate telescope, a professional observer and exceptional weather conditions, and the combination of these factors is rare, and therefore it is not expected to see the crescent, even using a telescope, from anywhere in the Arab world, unless the aforementioned conditions are available,” it said in the post.
“Thus, the principle of adopting the sighting of the crescent as a condition for the start of the month is that Eid Al Fitr will be on Saturday, April 22,” the centre added.
Another post by the International Astronomy Centre explained that the forecasted dates for Eid Al Fitr are based on astronomical data. The centre further mentioned that the original article has several specifics regarding the sighting of the crescent in different countries worldwide, and the relevant authorities can use this information to determine the start of the month.
“Note that the criteria adopted for the beginning of the month in the Islamic world are multiple, and the sighting of the crescent may depend on non-local places,” the center said, adding that the crescent can be seen in “some international cities, as per their statement.
Eid Al Fitr in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait
Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait have already announced Eid Al Fitr holidays for the public and private sector.
Both public and private sector employees in the UAE will see a four-day weekend, starting on Thursday, April 20 until Sunday, April 23.
