Eid Al-Fitr to begin Wednesday as crescent moon not sighted
Eid Al-Fitr prayer will take place across the Islamic World on Wednesday shortly after sunrise
The Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Monday evening, Ramadan 29, as announced by Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court.
Tuesday will be the final day of the holy month, and Eid Al-Fitr celebrations will commence on Wednesday, April 10.
Eid Al-Fitr prayer will take place across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen on Wednesday shortly after sunrise, with thorough arrangements made to accommodate worshippers for the annual Eid prayer.
Earlier, on Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court called upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Monday evening, Ramadan 29, corresponding to April 8.
In its announcement, the court urged any individual who observes the Shawwal crescent with the naked eye or through telescopes to report it to the nearest court and record their testimony.
Ramadan commenced in Saudi Arabia and in most Arab and other regions like Somalia and North Eastern Kenya on March 11.
Eid Al-Fitr is the holiday celebrated for the first five days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
In a controversial announcement, Chief Khadi of the Republic of Kenya said 29th Ramadhan 1445H will be on 9.04.2024.
“Eid ul Fitr shall either be on the 10th or 11th of April 2024 depending on the sighting of the Shawal crescent 1445H,” he said.
He added, “For logistical reasons, the Eid ul Fitr Public Holiday shall be on Thursday, 11.04.2024.”
Muslims in the Majority Somali-dominated North Eastern have been in recent years following Saudi for Ramadhan and Eid Commemoration.
Severely, the office of Chief Khadi made controversial pronouncements that have divided Muslims in Kenya.
Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Nairobi will be marking Eid Al-Fitr prayer on Wednesday.
Interior Secretary Kithure Kindiki had not gazetted a public holiday at the time of publishing the article.