IAC sets Eid-al-Fitr date for Wednesday April 10th, gives reasons

In a decisive ruling by the International Astronomy Center, the date for Eid Al-Fitr has been set for Wednesday, April 10th, with the adoption of crescent moon sighting on Tuesday.

This ruling follows detailed astronomical calculations and eliminates the need for fruitless moon-watching on Monday.

The International Astronomy Center has made a groundbreaking announcement, stating that the crescent moon of Shawwal cannot be sighted on Monday due to the moon setting before the sun and the conjunction occurring post-sunset.

This definitive prediction applies uniformly across all regions of the Islamic world, rendering any attempt to sight the moon on Monday futile.

However, the center has confirmed that Tuesday holds promise for crescent sighting across various Islamic regions, indicating that Wednesday, April 10th, will mark the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Significantly, this ruling aligns with the consensus of many jurists and astronomers, who argue against moon sighting efforts on Monday after sunset, as the moon will not be visible at that time.

This conclusion has been established through robust scientific computations, marking a departure from traditional practices that might overlook the insights of modern astronomy.

Among the resolutions of the recent Second Astronomical Conference attended by scholars and decision-makers from Islamic nations was a clear guideline: abstaining from crescent searching when it’s scientifically evident that the moon is not present in the sky.

This recommendation complements the prophetic tradition of moon-watching and reflects a rational approach to celestial observation.

Noteworthy is the endorsement of this approach by notable figures like His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Muni’, a respected member of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia and an advisor to the Royal Court.

Several Islamic countries reliant on crescent sighting to initiate lunar months have embraced this modern interpretation of tradition, emphasizing the fusion of faith and scientific understanding in determining auspicious occasions.