22 August 2011
Eid Al Fitr in Oman on Aug 31st
MUSCAT - Oman has declared August 31 the first day of the month of Shawwal based on astronomical calculations. The moonsighting committee said the last day of Ramadan will be August 30, with the first day of Shawwal and Eid Al Fitr falling on August 31.
“Astronomical analyses have confirmed the non-visibility of the Shawwal crescent on Ramadan 29 this year because of the absence of the sun in most regions of the country.
“Accordingly, it will not be possible to sight the moon on that day,” the committee added in a statement issued after a meeting here on Saturday chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Salmi, the Awqaf and Religious Affairs Minister, and attended by Grand Mufti Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalili.
It said reports of sighting the moon from people would not be accepted because scientific facts strictly ruled out the possibility.
“Therefore, the committee announces that Tuesday, August 30, 2011 will be the 30th day of the holy month of Ramadan and Wednesday, August 31, 2011 will be the first day of Shawwal and the first day of Eid Al Fitr,” the committee added.
First time the sultanate is officially pronouncing the first day of Shawwal and Eid on the basis of astronomical projections and in
advance.
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