Dubai: The International Astronomy Center has announced that Islamic countries are expected to sight the crescent of Shawwal on Thursday, April 20, which will likely to be the end of Ramadan.
However, it may not be possible to spot the crescent with the naked eye or a telescope from all parts of Asia and Australia, although it is possible that some Islamic countries may be able to sight it.
Most Islamic countries may announce the start of Shawwal on the next day, which would make Friday, April 21, the first day of Eid Al Fitr, the festival that celebrates the end of Ramadan.
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The exact date of Eid Al Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, and it marks the end of a month-long period of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world.
The official Eid Al Fitr holidays in the UAE, as per the Hijri Calendar, are from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. This would lead to an expected four-day weekend in the country – which would fall on April 20, 21, 22 and 23.
