The Australian Fatwa Council has announced that Monday will be the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr in Australia, based on astronomical data and moon sighting conditions for Shawwal 1446 AH, reports Gulf News.
After consulting astronomical observatories and scientific institutions specializing in crescent sighting, the council confirmed that the Shawwal crescent will be born on Saturday at 9:57 pm Sydney time (AEST) and 6:57 pm Perth time (AWST)—both occurring after sunset.
Since the new moon will not be visible before sunset, Shawwal cannot begin on that day.
As a result, Ramadan will complete 30 days, with Sunday marking the last day of the holy month.
The Grand Mufti of Australia and the Australian Fatwa Council determined the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal based on the calculated birth of the moon before sunset, duration of the moonset after sunset, and the possibility of sighting the moon.
This method aligns with those adopted by many prominent global scholarly councils. While acknowledging differing opinions among scholars and Imams, the Australian National Imams Council and the Australian Fatwa Council urge the Muslim community to respect these differences and work towards unity, preserving shared values and interests.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
