As communities around the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of Eid Al Fitr, the joyous culmination of the holy month of Ramadan, there’s a unique twist to this year’s festivities. Unlike previous years where Ramadan commenced uniformly, this year sees a divergence in the start dates across different countries.
In some nations, the fasting month commenced on Monday, March 11, 2024, while others, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Jordan, Libya, and Morocco, began their observance a day later on Tuesday, March 12.
Now, as the blessed month of Ramadan progresses, attention turns towards the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the end of fasting and the beginning of Eid celebrations. The quest for the new moon varies across regions due to geographical factors and astronomical calculations.
UAE Eid Al Fitr likely date
Engineer Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, Director of the International Astronomical Centre (IAC) in UAE, sheds light on the intricacies involved. He explains that in countries where Ramadan started on Monday, April 8, 2024, the crescent moon won’t be visible due to its setting before sunset and the conjunction occurring after sunset. Consequently, these nations will observe Ramadan for a full thirty days, culminating in Eid Al Fitr on Wednesday, April 10.
Meanwhile, for countries that commenced fasting on Tuesday, April 9 marks the twenty-ninth day of Ramadan and the day when the crescent moon will be sought. Odeh elucidates that the moon’s sighting on this day will vary across different regions. While it will be visible using telescopes from the eastern part of the world and South Africa, those in Central Asia and the central African continent might struggle to spot it with the naked eye. However, the moon will be relatively easier to observe from West Asia, North Africa, most of Europe, and the majority of the American continents.
The anticipation for Eid Al Fitr is palpable, with most countries expecting to celebrate on April 10, following the expected announcement of the crescent moon sighting. However, in India and Bangladesh, where the moon’s sighting may be declared unconfirmed on Tuesday, Eid Al Fitr might be postponed to April 11.
As communities worldwide prepare for the joyous occasion of Eid Al Fitr, this year’s unique lunar dynamics add an extra layer of anticipation and reflection, underscoring the diversity and beauty of global Islamic traditions.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
