Countries Await Saudi Arabia’s Moon Sighting for Eid al-Fitr

The end of Ramadan, marked by Eid al-Fitr, depends on the crescent moon sighting, particularly in countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, which follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement. The date may fall on Sunday or Monday as international communities also look to Saudi Arabia for guidance. Eid is primarily a one-day celebration but can extend for up to three days in the US.

The end of Ramadan, known as Eid al-Fitr, is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. Many countries, including the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, align their celebrations with Saudi Arabia’s announcement. The US, UK, and India also generally follow Saudi Arabia’s lead, resulting in the potential for Eid to fall on Sunday or Monday.

Observers of Ramadan are advised to watch for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday night, as its sighting will indicate the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. The crescent marks the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

Countries that await Saudi Arabia’s announcement for Eid al-Fitr include the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. These nations depend on the moon sighting to determine the holiday’s date, mirroring Saudi Arabia’s practices.

In the United States, Eid al-Fitr is typically celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, although some Muslims commemorate the occasion over a span of three days. The date of Eid changes annually based on the lunar calendar. The celebrations reflect the diverse cultural practices among Muslim communities around the world.

Eid al-Fitr’s date largely hinges on the crescent moon sighting, with many countries looking to Saudi Arabia for confirmation. This shared reliance underscores the significance of lunar observations in determining Islamic holidays. Celebrations can vary in duration, highlighting cultural differences, while the timing of the holiday differs each year based on the lunar calendar.

Original Source: www.metrowestdailynews.com