Eid al-Fitr likely to fall on Sunday, Maumoon says

Former President and renowned astronomer Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has predicted that Eid al-Fitr will very likely be observed on Sunday, March 30, instead of Monday, March 31, as per the calendar.

Maumoon, whose expertise in moon sighting is widely trusted, wrote in an article for the online newspaper Voice that many Islamic countries will mark the 1st of Shawwal on Sunday. He based his prediction on astronomical calculations, stating that the new moon will be visible in several Islamic countries after sunset on Saturday, March 29.

According to Maumoon, the moon will remain in the sky for 8 to 20 minutes after sunset in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Morocco. This suggests that Saturday, March 29, will be the last day of Ramadan, with Eid celebrations commencing the next day.

"In the Maldives, the sun will set at 18:14 on March 30, and the moon will set at the same time. While there may be some debate, many Islamic nations are expected to declare Sunday as the 1st of Shawwal, and it is likely that the Maldives will follow suit," Maumoon explained.

The final decision regarding the date of Eid al-Fitr will be made during the official moon sighting meeting conducted by the Islamic Ministry on Saturday evening. The ministry will assess moon sighting reports before announcing the confirmed date for Eid celebrations in the Maldives.