When is Eid al-Fitr 2017? Moon sighting dates for India, Saudi Arabia and others

As Ramadan inches closer towards its end, preparations for Eid al-Fitr have already begun. Muslims around the world have completed two-third of the holy month of fasting and are currently on the final journey. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and its date will be determined based on the sighting of the new moon.

Astronomical calculations have already predicted the possible dates for upcoming Eid this year. So, if you want to get a heads up on the Eid al-Fitr date in your country, take a look at the astronomical predictions.

It's worth mentioning that the following dates are not confirmed, and Eid al-Fitr will only commence once the crescent moon has been sighted in respective countries.

When is Eid 2017 in India?

The first fast of the month of Ramadan was on May 28 in India. Islamic months, much like Gregorian calendar, consist 30 days. Since moon sightings determine the beginning of a new Islamic month, it is possible that some months will have just 29 days.

In the case of Ramadan, if the moon is sighted in India on Sunday, June 25, then Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Monday, June 26. This means there would only be 29 fasts in Ramadan this year.

In contrast, if the moon is not sighted on June 25, Muslims in the country will fast for another day and celebrate Eid on Tuesday, June 27. Markazi Ruyat-e-Hilal committee will take the final decision on the Eid al-Fitr date in India.

While all Muslims in India will celebrate Eid on the same day, people in Kerala follow Saudi Arabia's Islamic Hijri calendar, which means Eid will be celebrated on the same day as Saudi Arabia.

When is Eid 2017 in Saudi Arabia and other western countries?

Ramadan and Eid dates vary based on one's geographical locations. Ramadan started in Saudi Arabia and other Western countries on the evening of May 26 and the first fast was observed on Saturday, 27 May. As compared to India, the holy month of fasting started in most countries a day early, and naturally, Eid al-Fitr will also arrive a day before it does in India.

Saudi Arabia and other Western countries will be on the lookout for Eid moon on June 24. If sighted, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, June 25, otherwise, it will fall on Monday, June 26.

Astronomers predicted the new moon will be sighted on Saturday, June 24, but visibility will be depending on meteorological conditions. In Peru, Equador and islands of the Pacific Ocean will be able to see the new moon with naked eye, but people in parts of the U.S., Latin America, Saudi Arabia, Africa and Yemen can use optical aids to see the new moon, Al-Jazeera reported.