The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other Arab countries have officially declared that Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, will commence on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. This announcement follows as the Shawwal moon, indicating the end of fasting for millions of Muslims in the region, was not sighted on Monday evening.
Eid Al Fitr is one of Islam’s primary religious holidays, alongside Eid Al Adha, which falls on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid Al Fitr to commemorate the conclusion of the fasting month of Ramadan.
In accordance with tradition, Eid Al Fitr typically commences with a special prayer held at mosques, marking the beginning of the festivities. This is followed by joyous gatherings with loved ones, where people come together to celebrate. The occasion is marked by exchanging gifts, and engaging in acts of charity towards the less fortunate. These customs reflect the core values of Islam, such as compassion and generosity.
UAE
In the UAE, the first day of Eid Al Fitr will be Wednesday, April 10, as the crescent moon was not sighted on Monday. Ramadan will last for 30 days in the country this year, with Tuesday being the final day of the holy month. The Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Committee, Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, announced that Tuesday, April 9, marks the last day of Ramadan 1445 AH, and Wednesday, April 10, marks the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
Saudi Arabia
Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, the first day of Eid Al Fitr will be Wednesday, April 10, as the crescent moon was not sighted on Monday. This means that Ramadan will last for 30 days in the Kingdom this year. The Royal Court issued a statement declaring that Tuesday, April 9, corresponds to the completion of Ramadan, and Wednesday, April 10, corresponds to the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
Read more: Eid Al Fitr 2024: UAE fireworks, celebrations and things to do
Qatar
Qatar also announced that the first day of Eid Al Fitr will be Wednesday, April 10, as the crescent moon was not sighted on Monday. The Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs confirmed that Tuesday, April 9, 2024, will be the last day of the holy month of Ramadan. The committee held a meeting on Monday evening, corresponding to April 8, 2024, to sight the crescent of the Shawwal month but could not confirm its sighting. Consequently, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, will be the last day of Ramadan, and Wednesday, April 10, 2024, will be the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
Kuwait and Bahrain
Kuwait and Bahrain have also announced that the first day of Eid Al Fitr will be Wednesday, April 10, as the crescent moon was not sighted on Monday. In both countries, Ramadan will last for 30 days this year.
Oman
On the other hand, in Oman, the main committee responsible for surveying the sighting of the Shawwal crescent will meet on Tuesday evening, April 9, 2024, at the General Office of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA). The ministry has called on citizens and residents to cooperate with field teams and subcommittees to investigate the sighting of the crescent moon in the respective wilayats and governorate offices.
Egypt
In Egypt, the Muslim Eid Al Fitr holiday will begin on Wednesday, as announced by Dar Al Ifta, the institution for religious edicts in the country. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly also declared a six-day break, including the weekend, from Tuesday, April 9, to Sunday, April 14, 2024, for public employees to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.
Other Arab countries
On Wednesday, several other Arab countries, namely Lebanon, Yemen, Tunisia, Algeria, and Palestine, announced the beginning of Eid Al Fitr. The announcement was made through a televised speech by Palestine’s Grand Mufti Muhammad Hussein, a statement by the Chief Rabbi of Tunisia Sheikh Hisham bin Mahmoud, and a statement by Lebanon’s Abdul Latif Deryan. Yemen’s Ministry of Endowments and Guidance also issued a statement confirming the start of Eid Al Fitr.
Meanwhile, Türkiye, which follows astronomical calculations, officially declared Wednesday as the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
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