RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court announced on Saturday that Sunday would be the last day of Ramadan, meaning Eid Al-Fitr would begin on Monday May 2.
The Crescent Sighting Committee of the Supreme Court held a session to determine the start of the month of Shawwal for this year, which is done by the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Muslim lunar calendar.
The committee said it had not seen any evidence of the moon on Saturday evening, Saudi Press Agency said, citing a royal court statement.
“The department decided that Sunday…is the 30th day of the blessed month of Ramadan for this year, and that Monday…is the first day of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr day for this year,” the statement said.
The Supreme Court congratulated King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, all Saudi citizens, residents, and Muslims, on Eid Al-Fitr.
Pakistan Ruet-e-Hilal Committee
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which announces the sighting of the new moon in Pakistan, has said it will meet on Sunday to determine the beginning of Eid Al-Fitr celebrations in the country.
Eid Al-Fitr starts on the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic lunar calendar. The beginning of Shawwal marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
“A meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to sight the Shawwal moon of the year 1443 (Islamic lunar calendar) will be held on May 1, Islamabad,” the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee said in a statement.
It said the meeting will take place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Islamabad and will be chaired by the committee’s chairman, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
Earlier this week, the Pakistani government announced a four-day holiday for Eid Al-Fitr from May 2-5 (Monday to Thursday).
In Saudi Arabia, authorities announced on Saturday evening that Sunday will be the last day of Ramadan, meaning Eid Al-Fitr would begin on Monday.