Eid Al-Fitr will most likely be celebrated on Saturday,no chance of seeing the Shawwal crescent on Thursday

According to the International Astronomical Center (IAC), there is no chance of seeing the Shawwal crescent on Thursday, Ramadan 29, which corresponds to April 20, meaning that Eid Al-Fitr may fall on Saturday, April 22.

The astrological organization in Abu Dhabi stated in a tweet that its prediction was made using astronomical data and that the exact day of Eid would only be confirmed by the relevant authorities based on the observation of the new moon.

“Sighting the crescent next Thursday is not possible with the naked eye from anywhere in the Arab and Islamic countries,” the statement reads. “It takes a precision telescope, an expert observer, and unusual weather circumstances.

Most Arab nations, with the exception of regions of West Africa beginning in Libya, cannot see the crescent with a telescope on Thursday, thus Saturday will most likely be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, it stated in the statement.

The center noted that the combination of these factors rarely occurs, making it unlikely that the crescent will be visible even with a telescope from anywhere in the Arab world. The vision is still very difficult and requires an accurate telescope, a trained observer, and exceptional weather conditions.

IAC predicted that the majority of Islamic nations would likely announce the beginning of the month of Shawwal on Friday due to the possibility of seeing the crescent with a telescope from some areas of the Islamic world on Thursday, as well as the fact that conjugation occurs before sunset and the moon sets after sunset in all areas of the Islamic world.

According to the organization, Eid al-Fitr will fall on a Saturday for nations that require correct seeing with just the naked eye or correct local vision using a telescope. These nations are obliged to keep up their fasting for the whole 30 days.