KUALA LUMPUR: The International Astronomy Centre (IAC) has announced that it is unlikely to sight the new moon of Syawal on Thursday, and Aidilfitri is likely to fall on Saturday.
The Abu Dhabi-based astronomy body stated on its Twitter account that the forecast was based on astronomical information and the actual date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri will only be confirmed by the authorities after the sighting of the new moon.
"The sighting of the new moon on Thursday evening is difficult as it requires the right telescope, professional observers and exceptional weather conditions.
"Viewing of the new moon on Thursday cannot be done with the naked eye from anywhere in the Arab and Islamic world.
"Viewing the new moon on Thursday is also impossible with a telescope in most Arab countries, except for parts of West Africa starting from Libya. Therefore, it is most likely that the first day of Aidilfitri will fall on Saturday," it said.
However, the IAC said there was a possibility that some other Muslim countries may be able to sight the new moon on Thursday due to the occurrence of the conjunction time, before sunset and the moon's appearance after sunset in all regions of the Islamic world.
It is expected that a majority of other Muslim countries will announce the beginning of Syawal on Friday.
For countries that require accurate sighting using only the naked eye and local telescopes, they are expected to continue fasting until the 30th day, therefore, Aidilfitri will fall on Saturday for them.