Eid al-Fitr, one of the two major Islamic holidays, will begin on Friday, April 21, according to the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia, as reported by Al Arabiya (https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2023/04/20/Saudi-Arabia-UAE-Muslims-celebrate-Eid-al-Fitr-today). Moroccans will sight the crescent moon on Thursday, marking the end of Ramadan, as announced by the Moroccan Ministry of Islamic Affairs (https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/04/345473/eid-al-fitr-2023-morocco-to-sight-crescent-moon-on-thursday/). Muslims in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, UAE, UK, US and Canada, will try to sight the moon on April 20, as reported by Latestly (https://www.latestly.com/world/latest-news/eid-2023-moon-sighting-chand-raat-muslims-in-saudi-arabia-uae-pakistan-and-other-countries-to-look-for-the-shawwal-crescent-this-evening-3649714.html).
Many countries, including Egypt, are expected to celebrate the start of Eid al-Fitr on April 21, as announced by Dar Al Ifta (https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/04/345512/egypt-to-celebrate-eid-al-fitr-2023-on-april-21/). Astronomical projections from the United Kingdom’s HM Nautical confirm that Malaysia is expected to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on April 22 (https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/04/345473/eid-al-fitr-2023-morocco-to-sight-crescent-moon-on-thursday/).
During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims gather with family and friends to celebrate the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. They dress in new clothes, share food and give money to the poor as part of the festival’s traditions. However, celebrations are likely to be scaled down in some countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Large parts of the Muslim world marked the end of the fasting month of Ramadan on Thursday and ushered in Eid al-Fitr holiday amid war and reconciliation, as reported by VOA News (https://www.voanews.com/a/muslims-end-ramadan-begin-eid-al-fitr-holiday-amid-war-reconciliation-/6479420.html).
The moon sighting is essential to determine the exact date of Eid al-Fitr. However, the process has caused controversies in the past, with some countries or regions having competing sightings, leading to disputes over the starting date of the holiday. Nonetheless, Muslims worldwide are looking forward to the joyous celebration.
