IAC: Eid likely to fall on Saturday

International Astronomical Centre (IAC) states this year’s Eid al-Fitr is likely to fall on Saturday.

The Abu Dhabi-based astronomical body, in a statement on Monday, said its prediction is based on astronomical information while the exact date of Eid will only be confirmed by the concerned authorities based on the sighting of the new moon.

As per IAC, the sighting of the crescent moon on Thursday, Ramadan 19^th, is highly unlikely as it would require a precise telescope, a professional observer, and exceptional weather conditions.

“Sighting the crescent next Thursday is not possible with the naked eye from anywhere in the Arab and Islamic worlds. Seeing the crescent on Thursday is not possible with a telescope in most Arab countries, with the exception of parts of West Africa starting from Libya, and therefore Saturday will most probably be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr,” they detailed.

Nevertheless, IAC, noting the possibility of seeing the crescent with a telescope in some Muslim nations, said it is expected that the majority of the Muslim nations will declare Friday as Eid al-Fitr.

As per the calendar, this year’s Eid al-Fitr falls on Friday.