According to the International Astronomical Center (IAC), there is no possibility of sighting the Shawwal crescent on Thursday, April 20, which is Ramadan 29. As a result, the Eid Al-Fitr is likely to fall on Saturday, April 22, based on astronomical information.
However, the exact date of Eid will only be confirmed by the concerned authorities after sighting the new moon.
The IAC explained that sighting the crescent on Thursday is very difficult, requiring a precise telescope, a professional observer, and exceptional weather conditions. It is not possible to see the crescent with the naked eye from anywhere in the Arab and Islamic worlds.
Even with a telescope, the crescent is not expected to be seen from anywhere in the Arab world, except for parts of West Africa starting from Libya.
The IAC predicts that the majority of countries in the Islamic world will announce the start of the month of Shawwal on Friday, as some parts of the Islamic world may see the crescent with a telescope on Thursday.
However, countries that require correct sighting with the naked eye or correct local vision with a telescope are expected to continue fasting to complete 30 days, and hence, Eid Al-Fitr will be on Saturday for them.
