Tomorrow marks the end of Ramadan

NEWSROOM – The High Moon Sighting Committee has determined that the moon was not visible, signaling that Ramadan will conclude tomorrow, with Eid Al-Fitr set to begin on Wednesday.

Pishtiwan Sadiq, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, announced the decision after neither the main committee nor its auxiliaries spotted the moon.

Sadiq also thanked religious scholars for their dedication during Ramadan and noted the economic uplift from the distribution of two salaries, which revitalized the market.

This announcement aligns with reports from Saudi Arabia, where two primary moon observation centers also did not sight the moon, confirming the end of Ramadan.

In Islamic tradition, the lunar calendar plays a pivotal role, with months beginning upon the new moon’s sighting. This tradition, dating back to the Prophet Muhammad’s time, emphasizes the lunar calendar’s significance in Islamic rituals.

The moon’s sighting, subject to variables like geography and weather, leads to varying start and end dates for Ramadan worldwide.

Countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have established committees for moon sighting, blending traditional observations with astronomical calculations to determine Islamic dates.

The announcement of Eid Al-Fitr, based on moon sighting, significantly impacts society and the economy, marking a time of celebration, prayer, and charity after Ramadan’s month of fasting.

The preparation for Eid stimulates markets as families shop for the festivities. Discussions among Islamic scholars about integrating astronomy with traditional moon sighting practices continue, reflecting the blend of religion, tradition, and science in determining important Islamic events.