“Based on the confirmed results of this legitimate visual sighting, it has been determined that the crescent moon of Shawwal was not sighted across the country through our committees," Grand Mufti Sheikh Nazir Muhammad Ayyad said.
Accordingly, Dar Al-Ifta announced that Sunday, 30 March, will be the completion of the month of Ramadan 1446 AH, and Monday, 31 March, will be the first day of Shawwal 1446 AH.
Eid Al-Fitr, which falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic Hijri calendar, is determined by lunar calculations. Islamic months vary between 29 and 30 days, depending on crescent sightings. Traditionally, the crescent moon must be visible to the naked eye after sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan for Eid to be declared the following day.
Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Sudan, and the UAE, confirmed that Sunday will mark the start of Eid.
While some others inlcuding Syria, Oman, Iraq, Algeria, Libya and Jordan said that Eid will begin on Monday.
Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) stated last week that, based on astronomical calculations, Eid would fall on Sunday in Egypt and other Arab countries.
In a later statement where Dar Al-Iftaa sought to clarify the confusion, the religious institution emphasized that there is no contradiction between Islamic teachings and modern science, saying the two complement each other to ensure accurate religious observances.
Public and private sector holidays
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced last week that public-sector employees will have a four-day paid holiday, from Saturday, 29 March, to Wednesday, 2 April. Labour Minister Mohamed Gobran confirmed that the private sector will receive the same holiday entitlement.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Mohamed Abdel-Latif has declared a week-long school holiday from Saturday, 29 March, to Friday, 4 April, to mark the occasion.
Egyptians traditionally perform Eid prayers in open spaces to accommodate large numbers of worshippers. This year, prayers will begin at 6:13 AM.
Eid Mubarak to all!
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