What should the general public do if the state's sighting of the Dhu al-Hijjah crescent differs from Saudi Arabia's sighting, given that the state has prohibited the Eid prayer on the Friday that coincided with Saudi Arabia's sighting?
Scholars differ on whether the sighting of the crescent moon is specific to each country or applies to all countries. For those who believe that the sighting in one country applies to all countries, there is no harm in secretly adopting this view to avoid discord. If a country does not rely on sighting, then it is obligatory to follow the nearest country that does, while concealing this if there is fear of causing mischief. The Eid prayer is a Sunnah, and whoever leaves it does not incur sin. It can be performed individually or in a secret congregation. As for standing at Arafah, it is linked to the appearance of the crescent moon in the Holy Lands, and no one should contravene their sighting for the sighting of another country.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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