Eid Al-Fitr to begin Wednesday as crescent moon not sighted

Riyadh: The Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Monday evening, Ramadan 29, announced 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 the Kingdom on Wednesday shortly after sunrise, with thorough arrangements made to accommodate worshippers for the annual Eid prayer.

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh recently issued directives to hold Eid Al-Fitr prayers 15 minutes after sunrise, in accordance with the Umm Al-Qura calendar.

In a circular, the minister said Eid Al-Fitr prayers should be conducted at the designated open prayer grounds, as well as in all mosques except for those adjacent to prayer grounds.

He emphasized the importance of early



preparations for holding Eid Al-Fitr prayers in the designated prayer grounds and mosques, ensuring all necessary services, including maintenance, cleaning, and operation, are in place so that worshippers can perform their rituals with ease and comfort.

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 countries 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.