Saudi Arabia launches the Initiative for Moon-Sighting to End Ramadan 2024
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia released a call to all Muslims in the Kingdom to observe the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on the last night of Ramadan 29, 1445 Hijri, April 8, 2024.
This exhortation underlines the significance of verifying the start of Shawwal, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Individuals who are able to sight the crescent moon, whether with the naked eye or through binoculars, are urged to report their observations to the nearest court and provide testimony regarding the sighting. This process enables the Supreme Court to officially verify the start of the new lunar month and determine the commencement of Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan.
Moreover, the Supreme Court invites capable individuals to join organizations that have been formed in different parts of Saudi Arabia to witness the moon. People can help the Muslim community as a whole by participating in the process of viewing the crescent moon and joining these organizations. In line with Islamic tradition, this group effort seeks to guarantee the precise determination of significant religious dates and occasions, such as the start of Eid al-Fitr.
The Supreme Court's call underscores the significance of moon-sighting in Islamic jurisprudence and highlights the collaborative nature of this process within the Muslim community. By relying on firsthand observations and testimonies from individuals across the Kingdom, the Supreme Court endeavors to uphold the integrity of the lunar calendar and facilitate the proper observance of religious obligations and festivities.
The Supreme Court's directive to observe the Shawwal crescent moon demonstrates its commitment to upholding traditional Islamic customs and precisely declaring the start of Eid al-Fitr. Assuring the observance of religious milestones in line with Islamic teachings, Muslims in Saudi Arabia actively participate in and cooperate with the communal effort of moon-sighting.
