Saudi Arabia Declares Wednesday as the First Day of Eid al-Fitr
Live Updates: Eid al-Fitr 2024 Moon Sightings in Saudi Arabia
08/04/2024
07:05: Official Announcement: The Supreme Court has declared that tomorrow, Tuesday, will be the completion of the month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, and Eid al-Fitr will be on Wednesday.
6:59:PM: The Shawwal crescent could not be sighted in Tabuk.
06:56PM: The sighting of the Eid crescent has begun in Tabuk.
06:48PM: Tabuk Observatory is expected to be the final observatory to complete its observation of the crescent, finishing at 6:56 PM.
06:35PM: The Shawwal crescent moon has not yet been sighted in Saudi Arabia, pending the official announcement from the Supreme Court.
06:27PM: The Shawwal crescent was not sighted in Al-Hariq. Waiting for the updates from the other observatories.
06:24PM: Attention now on the north and west side of the kingdom for the Shawwal crescent sighting.
06:15PM: The Shawwal crescent was not sighted at the Tumair Observatory. Waiting for the updates from the rest of the Kingdom’s observatories.
06:11PM: Awaiting Sudair Observatory’s announcement after the crescent was not visible in Tumair.
06:08PM: Observatories across the Kingdom are now preparing to observe the crescent of Eid al-Fitr.
06:04PM: Chief Astronomer Abdullah Al Khudairi: “It’s difficult to sight the Shawwal crescent due to the clouds.”
05:57PM: Tumair Observatory, minutes before the start of sighting the crescent of Eid al-Fitr..
05:50PM: There are 39 courts in the kingdom accepting testimonies from individuals who have sighted the Eid al-Fitr crescent for verification.
05:45PM: Observatories across the Kingdom are continuing their preparations to sight the crescent.
05:31PM: In various regions of the Kingdom, 10 astronomical observatories are currently observing the sighting of the Eid crescent today.
05:30PM: The official confirmation of the Eid al-Fitr moon sighting is expected at 6:20 PM.
05:20PM: Update: The Eid prayer will not be held in open prayer areas in cities and provinces where rain is expected, and will be limited to mosques.
05:10PM: The Meteorology Department: The weather conditions today are suitable for sighting the crescent of Eid al-Fitr in the northern and western regions of the Kingdom.
05:00PM: Images from the Tumiar Observatory.
04:46PM: Mutaib Al-Barghash from Tumair Observatory: “The weather is cloudy and will affect the sighting of the Eid al-Fitr crescent.
04:40PM: Tumair Observatory has commenced preparations to observe the Eid al-Fitr crescent.
04:33PM: Chief Astronomer Abdullah Al Khudairi emphasized, “Not everyone with keen eyesight can see the crescent moon… and those discussing sightings on social media are not specialists.
04:28PM: Astronomer Mutaib Al-Barghash stated to Al Ekhbariya, “We at Tumair Observatory are ready to observe the crescent of Shawwal.”
04:02PM: Astronomer Mutaib Al-Barghash in Tumair says, “The weather is a little bit cloudy, but there is no major obstruction in the observation of the crescent. The sighting will continue until sunset.”
03:58PM: Officially, the Eid al-Fitr holiday for the private and non-profit sector will begin at the end of the working day on Monday, April 8, 2024. The holiday is set to last for four days, with employees returning to work on Sunday, April 13, 2024, as Saturday, April 12, 2024, is also a holiday.
03:47PM: Astronomer Issa Al-Ghafili says that it will be impossible to see the Shawwal crescent today, Monday, as the moon will set before the sun, and the new crescent will not appear until after sunset.
Did You Know?: According to the Hijri calendar for 1452, Ramadan is expected to be observed twice in 2030. The first occurrence is likely to begin on January 6, with the second expected to start on December 26 later in the year.
02:48PM: The skies over Riyadh, Tumair, and Sudair are partially cloudy, with some areas in Riyadh experiencing rainfall.
02:18PM: The crescent will be observed from observatories in multiple cities across Saudi Arabia. Observations are particularly popular in Sudair and Tumair, with results from these two locations being closely watched. The Supreme Court often finalizes decisions based on observations from these locations.
01:50PM: The preparations have begun in Saudi Arabia to sight the Shawwal crescent. Astronomers predict that Ramadan is likely to be 30 days this year. However, in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), efforts will be made to sight the crescent moon to determine the exact end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid Al-Fitr.
10:00AM: Saudi Arabia’s astronomers are set to observe the skies this evening in search of the Shawwal moon crescent, with the public eagerly awaiting the latest updates on the sighting. Stay tuned for the latest news and developments on this story.
07/04/2024
Supreme Court Calls for Moon Sighting on Monday Evening
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called upon Muslims across the kingdom to investigate the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal on the evening of Monday, April 8, 2024, which corresponds to the 29th of Ramadan, 1445. The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sights the moon with the naked eye or through binoculars notify the nearest court, register their testimony with it, or contact the nearest center to assist in reaching the nearest court.
Eid-al-Fitr Moon Sighting Chances for Monday Evening
Astronomers from the Arab world have predicted April 10 as the most probable date for Eid-al-Fitr this year, based on astronomical calculations. However, the exact date can only be determined based on moon sightings. If the moon is sighted on Monday evening, Eid-al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Otherwise, Tuesday will be Ramadan 30, and Eid al-Fitr will be on Wednesday, April 10 in Saudi Arabia.
4-Day Holiday for Private Sector Starts from Monday
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has earlier declared a four-day holiday for the private and non-profit sectors in the Kingdom in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr. The holiday will begin at the end of the working day on Monday and will last for four days. Since the weekend is also coming along with the end of the holiday, employees will enjoy an extended break, making this Eid Al-Fitr a joyous and relaxing time for all.
9–Day Holiday for Banks and Remittance Centers
Saudi Arabia’s central bank, SAMA, has announced a 9-day holiday for banks and money transfer centers, which began on April 5 and will end on April 14. This extended holiday period aligns with the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, allowing employees in these sectors to enjoy a longer break with their families.