Total Solar Eclipse in UAE on April 8 May Affect Moon Sighting for Eid Al Fitr 2024

The Emirates Astronomical Association estimates that the first day of Eid Al Fitr 2024, that is likely to be on April 10, due to the difficulty of sighting the crescent moon of Shawwal, which indicates the end of Ramadan. This prediction is based on the expected total solar eclipse of April 8, as stated by Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the association.

The Shawwal crescent after sunset on April 9 will not be visible due to a solar eclipse, marking the last day of Ramadan. The eclipse, covering the whole of North America and starting over the South Pacific Ocean, will darken our planet as the moon gets in front of the sun.

Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, starts with the appearance of the moon, which is the beginning of the Eid Al Fitr. The eclipse’s timing will affect the religious observances and Eid celebrations across the Muslim world as Muslim months are depended on the sighting of the crescent and can be either 29 or 30 days in duration.

The coming together of these heavenly events highlights the importance of astronomical phenomena in the religious calendars and cultural rituals.