The crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan has not been sighted in the UAE, Australia and Qatar. Consequently, the holy month will span the full 30 days, with Tuesday marking the final day of Ramadan.
In UAE, Eidul Fitr, the Islamic festival, will commence on Wednesday, April 10. As a result, both public and private sector employees will enjoy a nine-day break, inclusive of weekends.
The UAE’s moon-sighting committee had encouraged Muslims nationwide to scan the skies for the crescent.
In accordance with the Islamic Hijri calendar, Ramadan typically lasts for either 29 or 30 days. The sighting of the crescent on the 29th of each month determines the transition from one month to the next.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs in Qatar has also confirmed that the first day of Eidul Fitr will fall on Wednesday.
This announcement follows the Crescent Sighting Committee's meeting, convened after Maghrib prayer, where it was determined that the crescent was not sighted in Qatar. Consequently, Wednesday will be officially recognized as the first day of Shawwal.
Additionally, Awqaf had previously disclosed that Eid al-Fitr prayers will be held across 642 mosques and prayer grounds in Qatar, with the prayer scheduled for 5:32 am.
Meanwhile, according to a statement issued by the Australian Fatwa Council, Wednesday, April 10, has been declared as the first day of Eidul Fitr in Australia. The council made this decision as the new moon was not sighted in the country.
The Australian Fatwa Council clarified in its statement that after thorough inquiries with local and global observatories, it was confirmed that in Sydney, the new moon of the month would be born on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 4:20 am AEST. The sun would set on the same day at 5:39 pm, while the new moon would set 12 minutes after, at 5:51 pm from the horizon.
Similarly, in Perth, Western Australia, the new moon of the month would be born on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 2:20 am AWST. The sun would set on the same day at 6:02 pm, and the moon would set 16 minutes after, at 6:18 pm. Therefore, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, would mark the last day of the Month of Ramadan 1445AH.
