Saudi Arabia has confirmed sighting of the new moon, marking the end to the holy month of Ramadan and start of the next Islamic month of Shawwal.
With the new moon sighting, celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr will be held on Sunday, being the first date of Shawwal
The moon sighting was officially reported by the Haramain Sharifain X platform.
This marks the conclusion of a month of fasting and devotion for Muslims across the world, with Eid-el-Fitr being celebrated with prayers, feasts, and acts of charity.
Around 10 observatories were involved in the sighting of Shawwal moon in Saudi Arabia, according to Haramain Info, an official social media handle of the country’s religious authority.
Before the official announcement, the website pointed out that experts in Saudi Arabia were divided on the expected sighting of the Shawwal crescent.
While five recognised astronomical experts predicted the likely Eid-el-Fitr date as Sunday, four others expected it to be observed on Monday.
Notably, Ramadan began in most parts of the world on March 1, after sighting the new moon.
(Leadership)
