Saudi Arabia, UAE to celebrate Eid ul Fitr on Friday as Shawwal moon not sighted

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that the first day of Eid ul Fitr will fall on Friday, March 21, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted in the kingdom on Wednesday evening.

With the moon remaining unseen, the month of Ramadan will complete 30 days in Saudi Arabia, with Thursday marking the final day of fasting. Eid ul Fitr will therefore be observed on Friday, March 21.

UAE also to celebrate Eid on Friday

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will also celebrate Eid ul Fitr on Friday, March 21, following the same moon sighting outcome. The announcement means that both Gulf nations will mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan on the same day.

The decision was made after official moon sighting committees in both countries confirmed that the Shawwal crescent was not visible on Wednesday, making Thursday the 30th and final day of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Significance of Eid ul Fitr

Eid ul Fitr is one of the two major Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world. It marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Muslims celebrate the occasion with special prayers, festive meals, and gatherings with family and friends.

The sighting of the Shawwal moon is a critical determination for the timing of Eid ul Fitr. Countries across the Muslim world conduct their own moon sighting exercises, which can sometimes lead to Eid being celebrated on different days in different nations depending on geographical and atmospheric conditions affecting lunar visibility.

Saudi Arabia's moon sighting decision carries significant weight across the Muslim world, as many countries look to the kingdom's announcement to determine their own Eid dates. The holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, located in Saudi Arabia, hold central importance in Islam, and the kingdom's religious authorities play an influential role in such determinations.

With the announcement now confirmed, preparations for Eid celebrations are expected to be in full swing across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf nations that follow similar moon sighting conclusions. Muslims in these countries will offer Eid prayers on Friday morning before proceeding with festivities marking the joyous occasion.