The Shawwal moon has not been sighted in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and Eid ul-Fitr will be observed on March 20.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has announced that Eid ul-Fitr will be observed on Friday, after no confirmed sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon was reported across the Kingdom.
According to an official statement, moon-sighting committees convened at 12 locations throughout the country, but no credible testimony of the crescent was received from any region.
Following sunset, senior astronomers and designated moon sighters assembled at observatories across the Kingdom, including Tumair, Sudair, Shaqra, Umm al-Qura, Al-Wajh, Halat Ammar, Qassim, Dammam, Madinah and Hail, in a coordinated effort to sight the moon.
Despite extensive observations at all sites, the crescent marking the beginning of Shawwal was not confirmed.
The Supreme Court reviewed all submitted reports before issuing its decision that Ramazan will complete 30 days this year.
As the crescent was not sighted on the 29th of Ramazan, the month will run its full course.
Muslims in Saudi Arabia, along with countries that follow the Kingdom’s announcement, will now mark Eid al-Fitr on Friday, concluding 30 days of fasting and worship.
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