The Australian Fatwa Council has announced that Friday, April 21, will be the last day of Ramadhan and Saturday will consequently be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr and the start of the month of Shawwal 1444/2023.
The released statement confirmed that after inquiries to local and international observatories in Sydney, Eid A-Fitr 2023 will be on Saturday, April 22, and the first day of the month of Shawwal 1444 AH.
“In Perth, Western Australia, the new moon of the month will be born on April 20, 2023, at 12.12 pm AWST, the sun sets on the same day at 5.50 pm while the moon will set at 5.54 pm, this is not a sufficient time to sight the new moon of the month of Shawwal on that night, Therefore, Friday, April 21, 2023, will be the last day of the Month of Ramadan 1444AH,” the Council added.
It further explained that the method by which the Mufti of Australia and the Australian Fatwa Council determined the end of Ramadhan, the first days of Shawwal and the day of Eid Al-Fitr, is based on the calculated birth of the moon before sunset, the duration of the moon setting after sunset and the possibility of seeing the moon. This is a method that has been adopted by many eminent and reputable global scholars councils.
“The Australian National Imams Council and the Australian Fatwa Council acknowledge, understand and respect imams and scholars who may have a different opinion, and ask all Muslims to respect the different opinions on this subject and work for the unity of the Muslim community in preserving the common values and interests they all share,” it said.
