Excitement about Eid al Fitr — the first day of which is most likely to fall on April 10 in the Sultanate of Oman as per astronomical data — has begun building up.
Abdulwahab al Busaidy, Head of Observatory at Oman Astronomical Society, told the Observer that there is a 99.9 per cent chance that Eid al Fitr will fall on Wednesday (April 10).
"As far as Eid al Fitr, this time the prediction is easy to make. The crescent will be visible on April 9 just after sunset. So, Oman will celebrate Eid al Fitr on April 10," Al Busaidy said.
"This is also the case with all neighbouring countries and all other Islamic and Arab countries. My expectation is that 99.9 per cent of all Muslim countries will celebrate Eid al Fitr on the same day, April 10," he added.
Al Busaidy said the reason is that the moon will be on the horizon for up to 50 minutes after sunset. "That is a very long time and elimination will be 1.2 per cent. So this means you can see the crescent even with the naked eye," he said.
Eid is one of the most anticipated festivals in the Islamic calendar with elaborate preparations taking place in the weeks before the day, involving shopping, planning outings and travelling for some.
Oman now gives the same number of holidays to both government and private sectors. Employees say the move is good, especially long breaks like Eid holidays.
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