Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, also known as the festival of breaking the fast. This marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. According to Al Jazeera (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/23/when-is-eid-al-fitr-2023), the date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year and is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. The sighting of the moon was confirmed in Saudi Arabia, where the Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced that Eid al-Fitr will begin on Friday, April 21 (https://www.alarabiya.net/2023/04/19/Saudi-Arabia-UAE-announce-Eid-al-Fitr-will-start-on-Friday). The same announcement was made in the UAE.
The sighting of the crescent moon is a significant event in the lead-up to Eid al-Fitr. Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court called on Muslims across the kingdom to sight the crescent moon on Thursday, April 20 (https://www.alarabiya.net/2023/04/18/Saudi-Arabia-UAE-call-on-Muslims-to-sight-Eid-crescent-moon-on-Thursday). Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs also announced that the sighting of the crescent moon for Eid Al-Fitr 2023 will take place on Thursday (https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/04/343743/eid-al-fitr-2023-morocco-to-sight-crescent-moon-on-thursday).
The sighting of the crescent moon was also confirmed in India’s Kalyan, and LatestLY provided live news updates on the event (https://www.latestly.com/india/news/eid-moon-sighting-2023-in-india-today-chand-raat-live-news-updates-shawwal-crescent-sighted-in-kalyan-and-amp-amp-aurangabad-follow-latest-updates-here-3349355.html). LatestLY also reported on the moon being sighted in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Arab states (https://www.latestly.com/world/eid-2023-moon-sighting-live-news-updates-shawwal-crescent-sighted-in-kuwait-eid-al-fitr-on-april-21-eid-moon-sighting-2023-3377620.html).
Malaysia is expected to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on April 22, according to astronomical projections from the United Kingdom’s HM Nautical (https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/04/343641/eid-al-fitr-2023-to-fall-on-april-22-in-malaysia/). The exact date of Eid al-Fitr varies across the world due to the different sighting of the crescent moon.
The celebration of Eid al-Fitr usually involves special prayers, feasting, and spending time with family and friends. It is a time of forgiveness and sharing, especially with the less fortunate. As Muslims celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, they are also reminded of the importance of patience, self-discipline, and the willingness to help others in their daily lives.
