Morocco Announces Eid Al Fitr Date Based on Lunar Observation

In Morocco, it is precisely the observation of the crescent moon that announces the beginning of the month of Shawwal, and at the same time, the end of Ramadan. This occurs on Wednesday, Ramadan 29, 1442 of the Hegira, which corresponds to May 12, 2021, the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs announced on Tuesday, noting that it is on this basis that it will be known whether Eid Al Fitr will take place on Thursday, May 13 or Friday, May 14.

Regarding the religious aspect of the observation of the crescent moon, there is no unanimity. If for some, visibility to the naked eye is the infallible method, for others, it is rather necessary to rely on astronomical calculation. In this sense, the scholars support their claims with a series of hadiths of the Prophet, such as: "Fast at its sight (crescent moon) and break the fast at its sight", while others believe that astronomers and religious scholars complement each other.

Astronomy engineer Ali Amraoui, specifies MAP, distinguishes three categories: the first is attached to visual observation alone. The second group includes those who are in favor only of astronomical calculation. Finally, there are those who use calculation to challenge visual observation and not to confirm it. Each of these groups bases its opinion on proofs of fiqh and religious texts and all are supported by scholars.

What about the delay in announcing the beginning of a month? This is explained, he continues, by the extent of the sites and the multiplicity of observation points. If the vision is clear in the East at sunset and credible witnesses in Oujda report the observation of the crescent moon, the ministry considers their observations sufficient to announce the beginning of the month. Otherwise, it is necessary to wait for sunset at the furthest point, namely Dakhla, which causes a delay of almost half an hour. "Today, the gap in the beginning of the Hijri months in the different regions is no more than one day, at worst," he concluded.