Moonsighting for Shawwal 1429
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 Ploynesian 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, Eidul-Fitr is expected on Wednesday, October 1, most of the world, Insha-Allah. Also, according to the criteria adopted by Fiqh Council of North America, and European Council for Fatwa and Research, the first day of Shawwal is on Wednesday, October 1, 2008, which would be after completing 30 days of Ramadan.
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, Insha-Allah, because the moon should be easily visible in Australia and South Africa on September 30.
In Pakistan, moon may not be seen on Septmber 30, except by high powered telescope. So, Eid in Pakistan is expected to be on Octber 2, 2008.
