Eid 2023 Moon Sighting LIVE Updates: Shawwal Crescent Spotted in Saudi; India to Mark Eid al-Fitr on Saturday

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called for a three-day ceasefire during Eid al-Fitr in Sudan to allow civilians to receive essential supplies, medical treatment, and flee conflict zones. The US State Department has also urged an extension of the ceasefire, despite reports of heavy gunfire on Thursday. The ongoing power struggle between the forces led by two allied leaders of Sudan’s ruling council has resulted in the deaths of over 330 people.

Eid Al-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22 in the China and Philippines as the Shawwal moon was not sighted in these countries on Thursday.

The Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, which means that the holy month of Ramadan would complete its full 30 days. As a result, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22, in these countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings for the festival of Eid al-Fitr to the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio through a letter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his wishes to Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr via a letter.

This year in India, two important festivals, Akshaya Tritiya (also known as Akha Teej) and Eid ul Fitr, are falling on the same day, April 22. Akshaya Tritiya is a Hindu festival celebrated as a day of prosperity and good luck, while Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims. The coincidence of the two festivals on the same day is a rare occurrence and has added to the festive spirit in India.

With India all set to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, as the crescent moon that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan was not sighted on Thursday, here are some top greetings to send to loved ones:

1. Before the golden sunrise, let me decorate each of the rays with wishes of success, prosperity and Happiness for you and your family. Happy Eid Ul Fitr!

2. May Allah open the doors of happiness and prosperity for you. Eid Mubarak to you and your family. Enjoy a blessed time this Eid.

3. I wish that Allah shower his love and blessings on you, accept your sacrifices and forgive you for your sins….Wishing you a very Happy Eid.

4. Our month-long wait is finally over with the sight of the new moon. We have been bestowed with a pious day by Allah. I hope you enjoy this day and seek Allah’s blessings. Eid Mubarak!

5. Eid Mubarak! Seize the moment and be happy. Because very little is needed to make a happy life, it’s all within yourself and your way of thinking.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion celebrated by Muslims all over the world, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. As Eid-ul-Fitr 2023 approaches, here are some wishes to send to your loved ones, friends, and colleagues:

1. May Allah fill your life with joy and prosperity. Eid Mubarak.

2. May the year ahead be fruitful for your home and family and especially for you. Happy Eid Mubarak To You!

3. May this day bring new rays of hope and an ocean of opportunities into your life. Welcome them with an open mind and fresh thoughts. Eid Mubarak!

4. I wish that Allah shower his love and blessings on you, accept your sacrifices and forgive you for your sins….Wishing you a very Happy Eid.

5. Our month-long wait is finally over with the sight of the new moon. We have been bestowed with a pious day by Allah. I hope you enjoy this day and seek Allah’s blessings. Eid Mubarak!

Eid al-Fitr would be celebrated on April 22 in India as the crescent moon that signals the end of the fasting month of Ramzan was not spotted on Thursday, Muslim religious scholars said. READ MORE

Oman announced that the celebration of the first day of Eid Al Fitr would take place on Saturday, April 22.

The Fatwa Council of the UAE has released a statement indicating that if Eid Al Fitr 2023 falls on Friday, April 21, the Eid prayer and Friday prayer will be conducted separately. The statement acknowledges that there is controversy among Muslim scholars regarding the issue of performing Friday prayer if Eid Al Fitr falls on Friday. However, the council has ruled that each sermon should be held separately at its designated time in accordance with the sunnah.

In a notice to all chief secretaries, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) said it has been noted that child marriages often take place every year during Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej and after Eid ul Fitr in various states and UTs. This year, both these festivals are falling on April 22. “Therefore, the commission requests your good office to issue necessary directions to all district magistrates, collectors, CMPOS as well as principal secretary, Department of Law and Justice to ensure that injunction is issued against persons in order to prohibit child marriages,” the NCPCR said.

According to Muslim religious scholars, including India Union Muslim League (IUML) state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on April 22 as the crescent moon, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramzan, was not sighted on Thursday. The Kerala government has also declared April 22 as a government holiday for Eid, although according to the calendar, the holiday for Eid was on Friday, April 21.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took to Twitter to wish Eid al-Fitr greetings. In a tweet, he said: “Happy new year to the UAE and its people.. Happy new year to our Arab and Islamic nation. Happy new year to the world… May God accept your obedience.. and perpetuate your joys.. and fulfill all your aspirations.”

The Fiqh Council of North America has announced that the “Astronomical New Moon will occur on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 4:12 Universal Time.” They have calculated that on this day, the moon will be more than 5 degrees above the sun and the elongation will be over 8 degrees throughout North America. Therefore, the council has determined that the first day of Shawwal will be observed on Friday, April 21.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings for Eid Al Fitr to the President of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondimba, and the people of the Gabonese Republic in a letter.

According to an announcement by the UAE Ministry of Justice and Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Friday, April 21, 2023, marks the first day of Shawwal and the beginning of the celebration of Eid al-Fitr Al Mubarak.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has announced that the Eid Al Fitr holiday will commence from Friday, April 21, and will last for four days. Regular working hours for private and non-profit sectors in the Kingdom will resume on Tuesday, April 25, according to Khaleej Times.

India is set to celebrate Eid after Saudi Arabia confirmed the crescent moon that signals the end of the holy month of Ramadan was spotted on Thursday evening. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated across the world on different days and it is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon which is supposed to denote the start of the Shawwal month in the lunar Islamic calendar.

Saudi Arabia has officially declared that the first day of Eid Al Fitr will occur on Friday, April 21, according to Gulf News. The moon-sighting committee of the kingdom confirmed on Thursday that the month of Ramadan would conclude on April 20, and Eid Al Fitr celebrations would begin form Friday after the crescent moon of Shawwal was sighted in Tumair and Sudair.