Key Highlights
- The UAE’s International Astronomy Centre (IAC) has predicted that sighting the Shawwal crescent on March 18 is impossible.
- Eid Al Fitr in the UAE will be observed on March 20, and for some other countries, it might vary based on sighting difficulty.
- UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has already announced the holiday schedule, extending private-sector holidays to March 22 if needed.
The Astronomical Prediction Behind Ramadan Ends
The UAE-based International Astronomy Centre (IAC) has dropped a bombshell: The Shawwal crescent cannot be sighted on the anticipated date of March 18. This means that the holy month of Ramadan will indeed last exactly 30 days, and Eid Al Fitr is scheduled for March 20.
Challenges in Crescent Sighting
The IAC explained that due to the moon setting before the sun and the conjunction occurring after sunset on March 18, sighting the crescent would be “impossible.” This prediction has significant implications for Muslims around the world who rely on lunar sightings to mark the end of Ramadan.
Uncertain Dates Across the Islamic World
For countries looking at other dates, the situation varies:
- Possible with difficulty using a telescope from western Asia, central and northern Africa.
- Possible with extreme difficulty with the naked eye from western Europe and western Africa.
- Possible with relative ease with the naked eye from most of North America.
Given these challenges, some countries might declare March 20 as Eid Al Fitr while others might delay it to March 21 due to failed sightings on Thursday. The IAC stated that “it is expected that the majority of these countries will announce that Friday, March 20, is also Eid Al Fitr for them.” However, if the crescent sighting is not confirmed, Saturday, March 21, would be the alternative date.
UAE’s Holiday Schedule
The UAE has already announced its holiday schedule. For private-sector employees, the holiday will run from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, the private sector holiday will be extended to Sunday, March 22.
The federal government entities’ Eid Al Fitr holiday will begin on Thursday, March 19 and continue until Sunday, March 22. Official working hours will resume on Monday, March 23.
While this astronomical prediction might seem definitive, it’s worth remembering that the crescent sighting is not a precise science. Historically, there have been instances where predictions were wrong, leading to last-minute changes in the calendar. Muslims around the world will be keeping their fingers crossed for clear skies and favorable conditions on March 20.
