Sep 19,(The National): The holy month of Ramadan will end tonight with Eid celebrations beginning tomorrow, UAE authorities have announced.
In line with Islamic tradition, officials from the Shawwal Cresent Committee met tonight to look skyward for first sight of the new moon, which marks the end of the fasting month.
The committee findings were announced at a press conference at the Abu Dhabi judiciary department headquarters.
“The moon sighting committee...[hereby announces that] after communicating with neighbouring countries, the committee has made certain that this year’s Shawwal moon has been sighted. Accordingly, Sunday, September 20, 2009, is the first day of Eid Al Fitr,” said Dr Hadef bin Juaan al Dhaheri, Minister of Justice.
Teams of moon spotters were dispatched across the UAE to look for the first glimmer of the moon, signifying the start of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic Calendar.
Should officials have failed to catch sight of the moon, Ramadan would have continued for a further 24 hours and the Eid al Fitr feast would have been held on Monday.
Astronomical calculations which date back to early Islamic time estimate with some accuracy when the new moon will be visible to the native eye, but predictions as to the precise day are always difficult.
The announcement means that there will be three days of national holiday beginning tomorrow.