Astronomers have confirmed that the crescent moon of Shawwal will be impossible to sight on Saturday, March 29, across the Arab and Islamic world due to a solar eclipse.
Saudi astronomer Bader Al Omaira explained that the Shawwal crescent cannot be spotted on Saturday evening, whether with the naked eye, telescopes, or advanced observation methods. This is because the moon will set before the sun, and the conjunction will occur after sunset, making a confirmed sighting impossible.
Since many Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, require an actual sighting to declare the start of Shawwal, Ramadan is expected to last 30 days, pushing Eid Al Fitr to Monday, March 31.
Last week, the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi also confirmed that spotting the crescent from the eastern parts of the world is impossible and remains highly unlikely across the rest of the Islamic world.
If the crescent is not sighted on March 29, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid Al Fitr will be observed on March 31. However, if an unexpected sighting occurs, Eid will be marked on Sunday, March 30.
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