The Moon Sighting Committee of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) has requested that Muslims in Qatar look to the sky on Sunday after sunset to try to spot the new moon, QNA reports.
Tomorrow is the 29th of Ramadan, and the sighting of the crescent would signify the beginning of the month of Shawwal – and the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
After looking for the moon, Awqaf will announce Sunday night whether Eid will begin on Monday or Tuesday.
Regardless of which day it starts, most government employees will be off from Sunday, July 27 to Aug. 4.
And most banks in Qatar will be closed from July 28 to 31 (Monday to Thursday).
See our 2014 Eid guide for more details on which services will be available over the holidays, and a list of all the events planned over the week.
Thoughts?
Can I use an infra red telescope or is that considered cheating?
Yes you can, I’ll do that (first time doing it though having recently bought a telescope). As long as you’re seeing with your eyes and not predicting it astronomically.
I believe it has to be seen with the naked eye, although an interesting idea. Perhaps someone can confirm the exact requirement.
No it doesn’t have to be by naked eye. I posted a comment DN didn’t approve?!
That sounds a bit old fashioned, if we use technology and calculate the phase of the moon we can be exact. If we are not supposed to use new technology then there would be no land cruisers on the road!
I stand corrected by a contributor Ibrahim Ali many thanks. So fire up your telescope.
Please do!!
@dohanews or anyone else, where is the best place to go to look for the moon?