Astronomers predict that the Shawwal crescent moon will be unobservable across the Arab and Islamic world on Saturday, March 29, due to a solar eclipse.
Saudi astronomer Bader Al Omaira stated that the crescent will set before the sun, with its conjunction occurring after sunset, making it impossible to detect by any means, including telescopes or the naked eye.
Since moon sighting determines the start of Shawwal in Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations, Ramadan is expected to complete 30 days, placing Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday, March 31.
The International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi also confirmed last week that the Shawwal crescent will not be visible from the eastern hemisphere or the Arab and Islamic regions using any observational tools.
If the crescent remains unseen on March 29, Ramadan will last 30 days, and Eid will be observed on March 31. However, if sighted, Eid will fall on March 30.
Source: Gulf News
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
