The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has declared tomorrow Friday April 21, 2023 as the day of Eid Al Fitr in the country.
Haramain Sharifain, the official Facebook page of the two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, announced the sighting of the Crescent for the month of Shawwal 1444, marking the end of the fasting period for Muslims in Saudi Arabia.
Haramain Sharifain said “The Crescent for the month of Shawwal 1444 was SEEN today in Tumair and Sudair subsequently tomorrow i.e Friday, 21st April 2023 is the day of Eid Al Fitr.”
However, the moon has not been officially sighted in Nigeria as of the time of this report.
It was reported that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, urged Muslims in the country to look out for the crescent of Shawwal 1444 A.H. immediately after sunset on Thursday, 29th Ramadan 1444 A.H., which corresponds with April 20, 2023.
In a statement by its director of administration, Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, NSCIA noted however, if the crescent is not sighted on Thursday, then Saturday, April 22, 2023, will be declared end of Ramadan and the day of Eid-ul-Fitri in Nigeria.
The statement also reminded Muslims of the importance of the compulsory food-levy imposed on privileged Muslims, to be given to the less privileged in the society before the fasting period comes to an end.
Eid al-Fitr celebrations follow the end of Ramadan which lasts 29 or 30 days based on when the crescent moon is sighted.
Muslims follow a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days.
