Dar al-Fatwa in the Lebanese Republic announced that "the crescent of the month of Shawwal for the year 1444 AH will be sought after sunset on Thursday, the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to April 20, 2023." Meanwhile, the International Astronomical Center, based in Abu Dhabi, predicted that Eid al-Fitr 1444 AH will fall on Saturday, April 22.
The astronomical authority indicated that "its predictions are based on astronomical information, and the exact date of the holiday will not be confirmed except by the relevant authorities based on the sighting of the new crescent."
In a statement, they noted: "The sighting of the crescent on Thursday is not possible using a telescope in most Arab and Islamic countries, except for parts of West Africa starting from Libya; however, detecting it remains extremely difficult and requires precise telescopes, professional monitoring, and exceptional weather conditions. Therefore, it is not expected that the crescent will be seen even using a telescope from anywhere in the Arab world except under those mentioned conditions."
The astronomical authority emphasized that "the sighting of the crescent is a fundamental requirement for the start of the month, and Eid al-Fitr is expected to be on Saturday, April 22. However, the International Astronomical Center urged people to report any sightings of the crescent starting Thursday."
