14 Jun, 21:31 (IST)

The crescent moon has been sighted in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and other parts of North Africa, signalling the celebration of Eid al-Fitr tomorrow, June 15. LatestLY wishes all our readers 'Eid Mubarak'!

14 Jun, 20:18 (IST)

The Hilal Committees of Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and other Maghreb Nations are expected to issue a statement on Eid moon sighting after namaz-e-maghrib or the evening prayers. The moon is expected to be sighted shortly after sunset.

Tripoli//Rabat/Cairo, June 14: The North African region, also referred to as the Maghreb in Arabic, will attempt the sighting of Eid al-Fitr moon today. If the Hilal crescent is spotted, Eid will be celebrated tomorrow in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Chad, Djibouti and other nations in North Africa. Some disparities cannot be ruled out as the crescent may be sighted in some nations and not in another. The International Astronics Centre (IAC) has, however, ruled out this possibility as it has predicted the moon to be sighted easily using telescopic equipments in North Africa and most of the Middle East and West Asia. Stay tuned here for the live news updates on Eid moon sighting from Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and other Maghreb nations.

According to the IAC, the crescent in this part of the world would be viewed after the sunset. In Rabat, the capital of Morocco, the moon is likely to be spotted 49 minutes after sunset. In Tripoli and Algiers, 46 minutes after sunset, while in Djibouti and Tunis, it is likely to be sighted after 45 minutes.

The designated religious authorities, Imam Councils and Shariah Councils were expected to deploy their personnel in all parts of the nations to keep a keen eye on the crescent moon. The period for which the moon will be visible remains extremely acute if the new crescent rises on the 29th date of the Lunar calendar.

If the moon is not sighted, Eid-al-Fitr will be celebrated in North Africa on Saturday. The region also awaits the sighting of moon in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The announcement made by Grand Mosque, Mecca, is likely to have an impact on the decision taken by the Imam Councils in Maghreb nations.