The date for Eid al-Fitr 2023 has been announced in Saudi Arabia following sightings of the new crescent moon. Saudi Holy Mosques Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi have jointly said the moon was seen today in Tumair and Sudair, and tomorrow (Friday, April 21) will be the date of Eid al-Fitr.
In a joint statement they said: "The crescent for the month of Shawwal 1444 was SEEN today in Tumair and Sudair. Subsequently tomorrow Friday, 21st April 2023 is the day of Eid al-Fitr."
The Supreme Court had sent observers to Sudair, Tumair, Riyadh and other cities to sight the moon. It relies mostly on reports from Sudair, where the main moon-sighting committee is based because the town has an ideal elevation and good weather for moon visibility, and also from Tumair, BirminghamLive reports. Youc can follow our live updatas as Eid is announced here.
Saudi astronomer Muhammad Al-Thaqafi had said: "I expect to see the crescent of Shawwal today from the Tumair or Sudair observatories. Provided they have a clear horizon from obscuring clouds or other factors."
But another astronomer, Adel Al-Saadoun, said: "It is impossible to see the crescent this evening..and I challenge anyone who sees it to photograph it as evidence."
Birmingham's Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre Head Imam, Sheikh Zakaullah Saleem, said in a statement that acknowledged the differences and disagreements over Eid dates: "Firstly, Saudi Arabia has a well-established system for moon sighting that is known for its rigour, employment of advanced technology and trained observers, and has a defined legal and Shariah process for moon sighting, which is not the case in many other countries.
"Secondly, the Saudi Islamic Courts are highly coordinated in announcing the official sighting of the moon, which is then easily tracked by many Muslim-majority countries and communities. These announcements are posted on official Twitter accounts, enabling Muslims to avoid other unverified reports, which may result in errors.
"In general, Saudi Arabia's well-established and trusted system has made it a significant authority in determining the lunar calendar for Muslims, including the sighting of the moon for Eid celebrations."
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