Ministry of Islamic Affairs has declared May 2 as the day of Eid al-Fitr in the Maldives.
The ministry made the declaration according to scientific observations which have determined that the crescent moon will not be visible in any part of the country or any Islamic country on May 1. The sighting of the new crescent moon signifies the official last day of the fasting month. The declaration of the moon sighting is carried out by a special committee consisting of astronomical experts.
According to regulations, the Islamic ministry will defer to astronomical experts or sightings in other Islamic countries, if the moon is not sighted in the Maldives. According to astronomers, the moon will fall below the horizon before sunset in the Maldives on May 2. Therefore, the ministry has declared May 1 as the last day of Ramadan and May 2 as the day of Eid al-Fitr.
The Islamic ministry has decided to hold large congregations to perform Eid prayers in the Greater Male’ Region. As such, congregations will be held at the Maafannu stadium, Villimale’ football stadium, the Hulhumale’ synthetic track, the Islamic Centre, and King Salman mosque. The ministry stated that Eid prayers will also be held in 27 mosques in the Greater Male’ Region.