The moon sighting ceremony will be held in Maldives tonight.
Former President and astronomer Maumoon Abdul Gayoom stated last night that physically sighting the new crescent moon is not necessary to determine the beginning of the next Hijri month.
In a post on the social media platform X, Maumoon said that sighting the crescent moon marks the end of the previous Hijri month and the start of a new one, and that astronomical calculations and scientific measurements can be used to determine the new moon.
The moon sighting ceremony will be held in Maldives tonight.
This year, differences have emerged among Islamic nations regarding the moon sighting for Shawwal. According to astronomical calculations, the moon will not be visible after sunset on the 29th of Ramadan in any country east of Maldives.
Maumoon noted that in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Morocco, the moon will remain in the sky for 8 to 20 minutes after sunset. This suggests that Saturday, March 29, will be the last day of Ramadan, with Eid celebrations beginning the next day.
"March 29 is also the 29th day of Ramadan. The sun will set at 1814 hrs on March 30, and the moon will set at the same time," he said.
He acknowledged the ongoing debate over whether Sunday should be declared the 1st of Shawwal for the Maldives based on astronomical observations. However, for many Islamic countries, Sunday is expected to be the first day of Shawwal.
"This depends on the principles and standards followed in verifying the moon sighting," he added.
According to the Maldives calendar, the first day of Shawwal falls on Monday.
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
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