It is expected that Wednesday, April 10, 2024 will fall on the first day of the month of Shawwal 1445, according to astronomical calculations (Shutterstock)
Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr every year, which marks the end of the month of fasting.
It is expected that Wednesday, April 10, 2024, will fall on the first day of the month of Shawwal 1445, according to astronomical calculations.
Most Arab and Islamic countries rely on observing the crescent of Shawwal through astronomical observatories, in accordance with the words of the Prophet - may God bless him and grant him peace - “Fast when you see it, break your fast when you see it, and keep quiet for it. If it becomes cloudy for you, then complete thirty days.”
After confirming and verifying the sighting through legitimate means, the date of Eid al-Fitr will be announced in the countries that adopt the sighting.
On the other hand, some Islamic centers and countries rely on astronomical calculations to determine the start date of Shawwal. In Turkey, for example, the Presidency of Religious Affairs has set Wednesday, April 10, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr holiday for this year is supposed to be no less than 3 days, starting on Wednesday, the 10th of next April, and continuing until the evening of Saturday, the 20th of the same month in most Arab and Islamic countries, so that work will officially resume on Sunday, the 13th of next April. Taking into account that many Arab countries grant leave that may extend to 6 working days.
We monitor for you the following forecasts for the Eid al-Fitr holiday in some Arab and Islamic countries:
Eid al-Fitr holiday in Egypt
According to the official holidays page on the Presidency of the Republic’s website, the Eid al-Fitr holiday in Egypt will begin on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, and extend until Friday.
Since Saturday is a weekly holiday, employees are expected to return to work on Sunday, April 14.
Eid al-Fitr holiday in Saudi Arabia
As for Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has not announced the holiday date yet, but the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia (SAMA) has set Thursday, April 4, as the last working day in the month of Ramadan, with banks opening their doors again on Sunday, Shawwal 5. Corresponding to April 14th.
Eid al-Fitr holiday in Qatar
In Qatar, the “Mizan” website of the Ministry of Justice says that official holidays in ministries, other government agencies, public bodies and institutions are as follows: Eid al-Fitr holiday from the 28th day of Ramadan to the end of the fourth day of the month of Shawwal.
If the official holiday days fall within an official or weekly holiday, the number of vacation days shall be added to the aforementioned holidays.
If the gap between two official holidays is one working day, it is considered one of the two holidays.
Accordingly, it is expected that Eid al-Fitr holiday in Qatar will begin on Monday, the eighth of next April, and extend until the end of Monday, the 15th of the same month, with employees returning to work on Tuesday.
Eid al-Fitr holiday in the UAE
In the Emirates, Eid al-Fitr vacation begins on the 29th of Ramadan - which falls on Monday, the eighth of next April, according to the astronomical calendar - according to the official holiday agenda for the government and private sectors approved by the Council of Ministers, with employees returning to work on the fourth of Shawwal, corresponding to Sunday the 13th. Next April.
Eid al-Fitr holiday in Kuwait
In Kuwait, the dates of the holiday have not been officially announced, but several local websites confirmed that it will begin on the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to Tuesday, the ninth of next April, and extend until the end of Saturday, the 13th of the same month.
Last year, the Civil Service Commission decided to suspend work in all ministries, government agencies, public bodies and institutions for five days, considering that the first day of Eid coincided with the first day of the weekend.
Eid al-Fitr holiday in Iraq
As for Iraq, the Iraqi Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has not announced the date of the holiday yet, but the Eid al-Fitr holiday usually extends for three days, and it previously reached five days after adding the weekend holiday to it, which is likely to happen this year, given that the holiday will begin. Wednesday, April 10, 2024, according to astronomical calculations.
Eid al-Fitr holiday in Morocco
In Morocco, the holiday is expected to begin on Ramadan 29 - which will fall on April 9, 2024, given that Rabat declared Tuesday, March 12, the first day of the holy month - and extend until the second of Shawwal.
Eid al-Fitr holiday in Tunisia
In Tunisia, the authorities have not announced the date of the holiday yet, but it usually extends for three days.
Eid al-Fitr holiday in Algeria
For its part, the Algerian Council of Ministers agreed to extend the Eid al-Fitr holiday to three paid days.
Accordingly, if Wednesday, April 10, 2024 falls on the first day of Shawwal, the vacation will extend until the end of Friday.
Eid al-Fitr holiday in Türkiye
Finally, Turkey relies on astronomical calculations, and therefore the date of the Eid al-Fitr holiday is set from now, starting at midday on Tuesday, Ramadan 29, corresponding to April 9, 2024 (half-day), and ending on Friday, the 12th, provided that government departments resume. It operates on Monday, April 15, 2024, after the weekend.
Source: Al Jazeera + websites