Saudi Arabia Declares Friday Eid After Moon Not Sighted

[Akinola Kholid]

Saudi Arabia has officially announced that the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan has not been sighted. This means that Muslims in the Kingdom will continue fasting to complete the full 30 days of Ramadan. The announcement follows the traditional moon sighting method used to determine the Islamic calendar.

According to reports from Haramain, the Shawwal crescent was not seen anywhere in the country. As a result, Ramadan will complete its 30th day before the celebration of Eid begins. This method ensures that the Islamic months remain aligned with lunar observations.

With this development, Eid-el-Fitr will now be celebrated on Friday across Saudi Arabia. The day of Eid marks the end of the holy month of fasting and is one of the most important celebrations in Islam. It is usually observed with special prayers, charity, and gatherings among family and friends.

Earlier, Muhammad Abubakar had called on Muslims in Nigeria to look out for the Shawwal moon. His announcement is part of the effort to locally confirm the moon sighting, which helps determine the exact day of Eid in the country.

Muslims around the world have been observing Ramadan by abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn to sunset. This period of fasting is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion to Allah.

The length of Ramadan typically lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the visibility of the crescent moon. Since the moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia, the fasting period will complete 30 days this year before Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr on Friday.

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