Eid Al Fitr is Expected to Fall on Saturday, April 22

The International Astronomical Centre (IAC), based in Abu Dhabi, has predicted Eid Al Fitr to fall on Saturday, April 22nd.

This new prediction is one day later than the previous prediction. According to the Centre, the crescent cannot be sighted without a telescope, a professional observer, and exceptional weather conditions. Spotting the crescent moon will be impossible with the naked eye from anywhere in Arab and Islamic countries.

Furthermore, the Centre does not expect many Arab countries to sight the crescent even through a telescope on Thursday, except in parts of West Africa such as Libya. 

The crescent is not expected to be spotted on Thursday night, nevertheless, locals and residents have been requested to report any sightings.  

The IAC has emphasized the possibility of Eid Al Fitr falling on April 21st, Friday in the majority of the Islamic world because they will be able to sight the crescent on Thursday with a telescope, the conjugation will occur before sunset, and the moon will set after sunset in all regions of the Islamic world.

However, in countries that require accurate sighting of the crescent with the naked eye or the correct local vision of the telescope, Eid Al Fitr will fall on April 22nd, Saturday. 

The moonsighting committee will meet up and investigate the sighting of the Eid crescent to determine the start of Eid Al Fitr.