Both India and the United Arab Emirates have confirmed the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration dates. After the crescent moon was not seen in India on Thursday, clerics announced that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday (March 21).
Meanwhile, the moon was observed in the United Arab Emirates, which had previously announced Friday (March 20) as the date for Eid-ul-Fitr. The sighting of the crescent moon at the beginning of the month of Shawwal marks the conclusion of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan and the date of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Fatehpuri Masjid Imam Mufti Mukarram Ahmad told PTI that the mosque’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee called numerous places but was told that the moon could not be seen. Naib Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Shaban Bukhari also stated that the crescent moon was not visible on Thursday, hence Eid-ul-Fitr will happen on Saturday. He stated that Friday would be the final day of Ramzan and the 30th day of fasting.
According to the Islamic calendar, a month has 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon. This year’s Ramzan lasted 30 days, compared to 29 days previous year. Shawwal crescent spotted in Abu Dhabi. On Thursday, a crescent moon was observed in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, marking the start of the month of Shawwal and the upcoming Eid celebrations on March 20. The crescent was seen at 5.10 p.m. at Khatm Astronomical Observatory, which is linked with the International Astronomy Center in Abu Dhabi, according to the Khaleej Times.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia declared on Wednesday that Eid-ul-Fitr would be celebrated on Friday, as the crescent was not visible on Wednesday. Gulf News stated that the UAE had earlier today published Eid-ul-Fitr prayer times for all seven emirates. Here are the timings:
- Abu Dhabi: 6:44am.
- Dubai: 6:40 am.
- Sharjah: 6:39 am.
- Ajman: 6:40 am.
- Umm Al Quwain: 6:40am.
- Ras Al Khaimah: 6:38 am.
- Fujairah: 6:37 am.
- Al Ain: 6:38am.
- Dhafra: 6:48 am.
- Eastern Region: 6:37 am.
