Egyptian Fatwa Authority Announces Date of Eid al-Fitr

The Egyptian Fatwa Authority announced the date for the sighting of the crescent moon for the month of Shawwal in the year 1445 AH, to determine the date of Eid al-Fitr and the conclusion of Ramadan, which began last Monday. Regarding the crescent moon sighting for Shawwal 1445, the Fatwa Authority stated it would verify the sighting on Monday, the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to Monday, April 8, 2024. If the crescent is sighted, the first day of Eid al-Fitr (the first of Shawwal) will be Tuesday, April 9, 2024. However, if the Authority announces that the sighting is not confirmed, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and thus the first day of Eid al-Fitr will be Wednesday, April 10. Astronomical calculations indicate that this year's Ramadan will last 30 days, suggesting that the beginning of Shawwal and the first day of Eid al-Fitr will be Wednesday, April 10, according to astronomical calculations. However, these dates depend on the sighting of the moon at the start of each month in the lunar calendar. It is noted that most Arab and Islamic countries rely on astronomical observatories for moon sighting.