KUALA LUMPUR: The Muslim community is advised to remain calm while waiting for the announcement from the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal to determine the start of Syawal tonight.

Speaking to the New Straits Times, Penang mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor also advised against doubting the experts' prediction that Hari Raya this year will fall on Wednesday, April 10.

"Modern astronomical calculations are usually accurate, seldom causing controversy, although everything depends on Allah's decree.

"Nonetheless, we await the announcement to be made by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal at Maghrib tonight," he said.

He was responding regarding whether Malaysia would mark Syawal a day after Saudi Arabia, where Muslims are set to begin Syawal 1 tomorrow.

He noted that Saudi Arabia is observing fasting one day ahead and reported the sighting of the Syawal crescent moon yesterday.

(link - https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2024/04/1036052/saudi-says-aidilfitri... )

However, no such sighting occurred in Saudi Arabia.

He said Malaysia follows astronomical calculations, and tonight's conditions meet the criteria for moon visibility.

After Saudi Arabia announced their Syawal date, there have been discussions and uncertainty among Muslims in the country about whether Malaysia will still celebrate Hari Raya tomorrow.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1036268/keep-calm-modern-astronomical-calculations-are-usually-accurate-says