Eid Al-Fitr 2023, Saudi Arabian Authorities Call On Muslims To See The Crescent On Thursday Night

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court on Tuesday asked all Muslims to see the scycling moon of Syawal on Thursday night which coincided with 29 Ramadan 1444 Hijri.

This month's appearance will mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan as well as a sign of the entry of the Moon of Syawal as well as Eid al-Fitr.

In an announcement, a Saudi Arabian court called for anyone who saw a scycling moon either with the naked eye or through binoculars to report the sighting and register testimony at the nearest court.

"The Supreme Court hopes that those who are able to see the crescent moon will join the committee set up for that purpose in various regions," the authorities said in an appeal shared by the Saudi Press Agency, as quoted by the Khaleej Times April 19.

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomy Center (IAC) predicts Eid al-Fitr 1444 Hijri will fall on Saturday, bringing the fast of Ramadan this year to 30 days.

In a statement, the IAC said the appearance of the crescent moon on Thursday may not be possible in most Arab countries and the Islamic world, except in parts of Western Africa starting from Libya.

"But sightings remain very difficult and require precise telescopes, professional monitoring, and extraordinary weather conditions," explained the IAC.

The IAC, however, clarified that its predictions were based on astronomical information. The exact date will be confirmed only by the authorities based on the appearance of the new moon.

Separately, Jeddah's Abu Zahra Majid from the Jeddah Astronomical Society said, technically, the moon will appear in the sky on Thursday night, but it will not be illuminated by sunlight and will be difficult to see without special equipment, as quoted by Al Arabiya.