From the news desk

All eyes on Eid crescent tomorrow

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With the blessed month of Ramadan having reached its climax, Muslims are now looking forward to the annual moon-sighting which will mark Eid-ul-Fitr and the start of Shawwal. Locally, Capetonians will descend on Three Anchor Bay on Thursday evening to spot the new crescent, which has become a key cultural event in the Muslim community. Members of the Crescent Observers Society, also known as ‘die Maankykers’ will gather at the viewing point, as VOC conducts a live broadcast from 4pm.

Regular visitors to the moon-sighting are praying that the rain and cold winter chill stays away on Thursday, as hundreds of families are expected to converge on the lawns of the Seapoint Promenade. Weather forecasts for the city indicate a maximum of 13 degrees with partly cloudy conditions.

The City of Cape Town’s law enforcement authorities will be on high alert to ensure that members of the public observe the city’s by-laws. Amongst the regular complaints are parking and vehicles on the Promenade grass.

The designated parking spots are: Sea Point Library parking; as well as the parking on Helen Suzman Blvd at the Bridge and Bowls Clubs are reserved for the event. Also  parking area P9 and P10 (behind the Virgin Active Gym) is also reserved.

The City has implored that there should be no parking of vehicles in restricted areas, obstructing private driveways and on the sidewalks. Pavements must be kept clear so that pedestrians are not forced to walk in the road and endanger themselves.

Another major issue is the excessive litter after the event. Individuals are asked to bring along plastic carriers to discard their dirt. Prayer mats are also needed for salah.

VOC listeners can tune into VOC Drivetime on Wednesday at 16.30pm when the Crescent Observers Society speaks about the conditions for the moon sighting.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has urged Muslims across the Saudi Kingdom to look for the Shawwal crescent soon on Thursday to determine Eid ul-Fitr. Anyone who sights the crescent on the 29th of Ramadan should register the testimony with the nearest court or report it to a competent authority, the top court said on Tuesday.

The court has appointed several committees in all the regions of the Kingdom to receive reports of sighting the crescent. If the crescent is not sighted anywhere in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, Eid will be celebrated on Saturday, after completing 30 days of fasting.

Government offices are already closed on account of Eid, while the private sector will enjoy the break from Thursday to July 22. VOC


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