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Rabat – Astronomers expect Eid Al Fitr (عيد الفطر) this year to be on either March 20 or March 21. In countries like Morocco, forecasts suggest it’s set for the latter.
The International Astronomy Center said on March 6 that countries which started fasting Ramadan on March 18 will observe the crescent moon on Wednesday, March 18, to determine the official date of Eid Al Fitr. The Eid marks the start of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
Those who started fasting Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, like Morocco, are likely to sight the moon on March 19.
The center acknowledged that the countries that will search for the crescent on Wednesday will not be able to see the moon as it will set before the sun and a conjunction occurs after sunset.
“These countries are expected to complete 30 days of Ramadan, making Friday, March 20 their Eid al-Fitr,” the center said.
The center suggests there could be a difficulty in sighting the moon on Thursday, March 19. However, it could be possible using a telescope from West Asia as well as Central and North Africa.
The center expects many others to announce Friday as Eid Al Fitr. Others may also announce Eid Al Fitr is on March 21. The center suggests observers in Rabat will be unable to sight the moon with naked-eye, which requires perfect atmospheric clarity.
Ibrahim Akhyam, an astronomy expert, also expects Ramadan to complete 30 days this year in Morocco, with Eid Al Fitr falling on March 21.
In the Muslim world, religious authorities are assigned to sight the crescent moon, based on which the official date for Eid is announced through the official channels, including Islamic ministries.
During Eid Al Fitr, people in Morocco and majority of Muslim countries exchange family visits for lunch or dinner and even breakfast.
Children in Morocco also wear either new traditional clothes or brand new outfits and go out to streets to show off in a fashion show like atmosphere.
