JEDDAH – The Supreme Court has called on all Muslims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to sight the crescent of Shawwal on Saturday evening, 29 Ramadan, corresponding to June 24, to determine the start of `Eid Al-Fitr.

Making its annual announcement, the Supreme Court urged citizens to look for the new crescent of the fasting month by the naked eyes or binoculars, Saudi Press Agency statement was cited by Arab News.

In an announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Supreme Court called on “whoever sights the crescent to report to the nearest court and register his testimony or report to the authority of the region’s center in his area.”

Those who see it were urged to report to the nearest court and register his testimony, or report to the nearest center to facilitate his reaching to the court.

The Supreme Court also urged all Muslims to sight the crescent for the cooperation of all in righteousness and piety.

According to astronomical projections, there is a chance of seeing the moon on the 29 of Ramadan, which falls on Saturday.

The first day of `Eid Al-Fitr is expected to begin on Sunday.

While American Muslim bodies have already announced the beginning of `Eid according to calculations next June 25, others are awaiting the moon sighting.

Meanwhile, the European Council for Fatwa and Research announced the beginning of `Eid according to calculations next June 25.

The three-day festival is one of the two main religious celebrations in Islam, together with `Eid Al-Adha.

After special prayers to mark the day, festivities and merriment start with visits to the homes of friends and relatives.

And while traditionally everyone wears new clothes for `Eid, children look forward to gifts and traditional `ediya (cash).

During `Eid days, families and friends exchange visits to express well wishes and children, wearing new clothes bought especially for `Eid, enjoy going out in parks and open fields.