Eidul Fitr in the Middle East today

Saudi Arabia’s announcement means Eidul Fitr will also be observed in the US, Canada and Britain today.

Eidul Fitr will be observed today (Monday) in several Middle Eastern states, including Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya News reported.

Religious authorities in the Saudi Kingdom formally announced the sighting of the Shawwal moon – which marks the end of Ramazan – on Sunday and said Eidul Fitr will be observed on July 28 (today). Similar announcements were made by religious authorities in Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Palestine.

Saudi Arabia’s announcement means Eidul Fitr will also be observed in the US, Canada and Britain along with other European countries today. Muslims living in North America and Europe follow the dates announced by Saudi Arabia and as such observe Ramazan and Eidul Fitr on the same days as the Kingdom.

Eidul Fitr will also be celebrated in parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Mohmand, Bajaur and Khyber tribal agencies today (Monday). Announcements were made from mosque loudspeakers in in the Ghallanai, the headquarters of Mohmand Agency, Safi and Khwaizai after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the Shawwal moon.

However, people in some parts of lower subdivision Ekkaghund will follow the decision of Peshawar’s Qasim Ali Khan Mosque. Eid will also be celebrated on Monday in some parts of Bajaur Agency.

Similarly, Eid celebrations will be held in some parts of Shabqadar tehsil of Charsadda district on Monday where clerics from some sects decided to follow Saudi Arabia.

In Khyber Agency, announcements were made on mosque loudspeakers that Eidul Fitr will be celebrated on Monday. Arrangements have been made at two main mosques of the agency for Eid congregations. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2014.