The Astronomical New Moon is on Monday, September 29, 2008 at 8:12 GMT, 4:12 am EDT, 1:12 am PDT). It will not be visible on September 29 except small possibility in Polynesian Islands. On Tuesday, September 30, it will be visible in New Zealand Australia, Indonesia, South Asia, Africa and Americas. In North America on September 30, it can be seen in Southern belt states. So, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected on Wednesday, October 1, most of the world, Inshallah. Also, according to Saudi Ummul-Qura calendar, Fiqh Council of North America, and European Council for Fatwa and Research, the first day of Shawwal is on Wednesday, October 1, 2008.
In UK moon cannot be sighted on Sep 29 or Sep 30, 2008. Sighting in UK could only be on October 1. However a new Fatawa from Deoband, India, is that even if moon is seen in as far south as South Africa, UK will accept that sighting. According to this criterion Eid in UK will be on October 1, Inshallah, because the moon should be easily visible in Australia and South Africa on September 30.
In Pakistan, moon may not be seen on September 30, except by high powered telescope. So, Eid in Pakistan is expected to be on October 2, 2008.
Sighting Reports
September 29, 2008 (Monday):
No sighting reports are expected, because we hardly get any sighting reports from Polynesian Island or South America.
September 30, 2008 (Tuesday)
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