Rabat- The observation of the crescent moon of Shawwal will take place on Thursday, Ramadan 29, 1439 (June 14, 2018).
The month of Ramadan is almost over in Morocco. According to the calculations of astronomer Hicham El Aissaoui, Moroccans will celebrate the Eid al-Fitr feast on Friday. “Ramadan 2018 has only 29 days, consequently, Eid Al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, June 15,” he said.
El Aissaoui also predicted Eid al-Adha to be celebrated on Wednesday, August 22.
Even if the astronomical calculations all predict that Eid al Fitr will be tomorrow, Moroccan authorities prefer to wait to observe the moon to officially declare the holiday.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs invited astronomers, and its delegates to inform the department if they observe the lunar crescent or do not see it by contacting them at the following phone numbers: 0537761145, 0537760932, 0537760549, and 0537768954 or fax number 0537761721.
Eid al-Fitr was originated by the Prophet Mohammed. It is observed on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, which follows the month of Ramadan, when Muslims undergo a period of fasting.
In Islam, a specific prayer is nominated for Eid al-Fitr. The holiday is celebrated for one, two or three days, and it is also forbidden to fast on the day of Eid.
Before performing the Eid prayer, money is paid to the poor and the needy as an obligatory act of charity.
Families also give money to their children in celebration.
In Morocco, families often visit each other in the morning, especially just after the Eid prayer. People often wear traditional Moroccan clothes and gather to drink tea with Moroccan pastries, listening to Andalusi music.
