The International Astronomy Centre in Abu Dhabi predicts that Eid Al Fitr (1444 AH) would fall on Saturday, April 22, one day later than previously predicted. The astronomical body stated that its projection is based on astronomical data and that the precise day of Eid would be confirmed by the relevant authorities based on the sighting of the new moon.
The Islamic community will look for the crescent of Shawwal on Thursday, April 20, 2023, but according to the Centre's observations, it will not be visible to the human eye from any point in the Arab and Islamic world.
"Seeing the crescent on Thursday with a telescope is not possible in most Arab and Islamic countries, except for parts of West Africa beginning with Libya," it stated in a statement. Spotting, on the other hand, remains extremely difficult and requires a precision telescope, skilled monitoring, and excellent weather conditions. All of these conditions are uncommon. As a result, even with a telescope, the crescent is unlikely to be visible from anyplace in the Arab world unless the aforementioned conditions are met."
As the sighting of the crescent is required for the start of the month, Eid Al Fitr is now expected to take place on Saturday, April 22. The International Astronomy Centre, on the other hand, has invited people to record any sightings of the crescent beginning Thursday.
Countries that require correct sighting with the naked eye only or correct local vision with a telescope are expected to continue fasting for 30 days, and so Eid Al Fitr will be on Saturday for them, according to the centre.
Weekend of five days
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) of the UAE has announced the official Eid Al Fitr vacation, which will run from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. If the Moon is not seen on Thursday, April 20, and Eid begins on April 22, UAE residents will get a five-day weekend.
The moon sighting committee in the UAE will meet to analyse the sighting and determine the exact Eid date.
