Shawwal Crescent Not Sighted; Iran to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Saturday

IQNA – Iran will observe Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, March 21, after the crescent of the month of Shawwal was not sighted in the country on Thursday evening.

Iran will observe Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, March 21, after the crescent of the month of Shawwal was not sighted in the country on Thursday evening.

The Istihlal (moonsighting) committee of the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution made the announcement last night.

It said that because the crescent was not sighted at sunset on Thursday, Friday will be the last day of the holy month of Ramadan and Saturday will be Eid al-Fitr.

Some religious scholars rely on astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of lunar months while most of them believe visual sighting of the moon should be used in this case.

Ramadan is the ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, and smoking.

They also devote more time to prayer, charity and good deeds, seeking to strengthen their faith and purify their souls.

At the end of Ramadan and with the coming of the month of Shawwal, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

4341934