Determining the End of Ramadan: Eid al-Fitr Announcement Awaited by Many Countries

Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, awaits Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting announcement. Countries including the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait follow Saudi Arabia’s lead, influencing the festival’s date for regions like the U.S. and UK. Eid is formally celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, although many Muslims in America may observe it for up to three days.

The conclusion of Ramadan, marked by Eid al-Fitr, depends upon the sighting of the moon, with many countries awaiting Saudi Arabia’s announcement. Nations like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait typically align their celebrations with Saudi Arabia’s sighting. Additionally, other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, tend to follow Saudi Arabia’s lead regarding the date of this festival.

Observers of Ramadan are set to receive the much-anticipated announcement on Saturday night, when the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has urged Muslims to be vigilant for the crescent moon of Shawwal. This moon sighting will determine the first day of Eid al-Fitr, which falls on Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, per guidance from Islamic Relief.

Countries that depend on Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting for the date of Eid al-Fitr include the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. As the crescent moon is sighted on Saturday, it will determine if Eid is celebrated on Sunday or Monday in other regions, such as the U.S., UK, and India.

In the United States, although Eid al-Fitr is officially a one-day holiday, many Muslims extend their celebration of the festival to three days. This flexibility reflects the varying observances of Eid, as the date shifts each year based on the lunar calendar. Contributions to this report include insights from Mariyam Muhammad, while trending reporter Rin Velasco can be contacted via email at [email protected].

In summary, the end of Ramadan, celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, is contingent on the moon sighting coordinated by Saudi Arabia. This key moment influences various countries, particularly in the Middle East and beyond, as they determine their holiday dates. While Eid is officially one day in the U.S., many Muslims choose to extend their festivities, reflecting cultural diversity within the celebration.

Original Source: www.metrowestdailynews.com