The Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) has announced that the official sighting of the Shawwal crescent, which determines the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, will take place on Wednesday, March 18.
According to the department, the moon sighting will be conducted on the 29th day of Ramadan, following the long-standing practice used across the Maldives to confirm the start of the new Islamic month.
In a statement, the DJA said individuals who observe the Shawwal moon must present their testimony before a judge. Those residing in Malé are required to report sightings to the Department of Judicial Administration, while residents in other islands should provide their testimony before the magistrate of their respective Magistrate Courts of Maldives.
Authorities said witnesses should provide details such as the approximate height of the moon, the direction in which it was sighted and any other relevant observations that may assist in verifying the report.
To facilitate the process, the DJA said its offices, along with Magistrate Courts, Island Council offices and Provincial Council offices, will remain open from 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, until the issue of confirming the Shawwal moon is resolved.
The department has urged anyone who sees the moon to report their sighting promptly so that testimony can be recorded. Travel expenses for those who appear to provide official testimony will be covered.
The confirmation of the Shawwal crescent will determine the date on which Muslims across the Maldives celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.
