Saudi Arabia announces Friday as Eid Al-Fitr after moon not sighted
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq and Yemen announced that Thursday will complete the month of Ramadan, with Friday marking the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, after the Shawwal crescent was not sighted on Wednesday evening.
In a statement, the Saudi Royal Court said the Supreme Court’s moon-sighting committee convened on Wednesday evening and reviewed reports submitted by courts and observatories across the Kingdom.
“After reviewing and examining the reports, no confirmed sighting of the crescent was established,” the statement said.
It added that Thursday, Ramadan 30, will complete the holy month, and Friday, Shawwal 1, corresponding to March 20, will be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr.
The Supreme Court extended congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, as well as citizens, residents and Muslims worldwide on the occasion of Eid.
It prayed for the acceptance of fasting and good deeds, and for continued security, stability and prosperity for the Kingdom.
Earlier, Saudi astronomical observatories had prepared for the moon sighting at sunset on Wednesday, with widespread media coverage, although cloudy conditions prevailed in many regions.
