Rabat – The Moroccan Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced today that the sighting of the crescent moon for Eid Al Fitr 2023, marking the end of Ramadan in Morocco, will take place on Thursday, April 20.
The sighting of the crescent moon helps religious committees confirm the date of the beginning of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Islamic calendar and marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr celebrations.
In a statement, the Islamic ministry called religious experts to inform it of their feedback on the crescent sighting via the following numbers:
0537-76-11-45
0537-76-09-32
0537-76-05-49
0537-76-89-54
Predictions by most Moroccan astronomers suggest the North African country will celebrate this year’s Eid Al Fitr on April 22.
Should investigators identify the crescent moon during Thursday’s sighting, Moroccans will fast 30 days this year. This will mark the first time in five years that Moroccans complete a full month of fasting.
Forecasting this outcome days ahead of the start of Ramadan, Moroccan astronomer Hicham Aissaoui stressed that Saudi Arabia and most other countries could celebrate Eid Al Fitr on April 21, while Morocco would most probably celebrate the Eid a day later.
Muslims across the world begin Eid celebrations with morning prayers called Salat Al Eid.
Following this special prayer, performed in congregation at mosques, families gather around a special breakfast during which different local delicious meals are served. Throughout the remainder of the day, families and loved ones exchange visits, while children wear new, fancy clothes to mark the Eid.
