Eid 2025: Moon Sighting Timings in Saudi Arabia, UK, and Morocco

Eid ul-Fitr in 2025 will likely see celebrations on either March 30 or March 31, depending on the moon sighting. UK astronomers indicate visibility issues, aligning most expectations with Monday, March 31, while Saudi Arabia has officially declared Eid for Sunday, March 30. The timing of moon sightings will significantly influence when Eid is celebrated across different regions, particularly in the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco.

Eid ul-Fitr is anticipated as Ramadan 2025 nears its conclusion, with the beginning of Shawwal expected soon. According to UK astronomy experts, they have determined the exact timings for moon sighting announcements that will inform Muslims when to celebrate Eid. The sighting of the first crescent of the new moon is significant for Muslims in the UK and worldwide, as it will indicate whether Eid occurs on Sunday or Monday.

In 2025, a “split Ramadan” is observable, starting on either March 1 or March 2 depending on the moon sighting. For example, in Saudi Arabia, where the moon was seen on February 28, Ramadan commenced on March 1. Conversely, in the United Kingdom, where the moon was visible only the following day, Ramadan began on March 2. Many Muslims in the UK may synchronize their Eid celebrations with Saudi Arabia or Morocco, leading to possible discrepancies in dates.

As the moon must be sighted on the 29th day of the Islamic month, the differing start dates of Ramadan imply that the moon will be sighted on Saturday, March 29, for some and on Sunday, March 30, for others, resulting in Eid being celebrated the following day. Although UK astronomers assert that the moon will not be visible on Saturday night, even using a telescope, indicating that Eid is expected on Monday, March 31, Saudi Arabia has declared Sunday as the start of Eid based on its established national calendar.

Regarding moon sighting announcements this weekend, the HM Nautical Almanac Office in the UK has released a schedule of visibility times. Only individuals in the northernmost regions of the eastern United States and Canada may spot the moon with the naked eye, while others will have to await sightings on Sunday. For those in London wishing to observe the new crescent moon, sunset on Sunday is at 7:31 PM while moonset is at 9:28 PM. On Monday, sunset will be 7:33 PM and moonset at 11:03 PM. A complete chart of times for various cities can be referenced from the HM Nautical Almanac Office.

In summary, the Eid ul-Fitr celebrations for 2025 may vary in timing based on the sighting of the new moon. While astronomers predict that Eid will occur on Monday, March 31, Saudi Arabia has been designated to celebrate on Sunday, March 30. Therefore, observations of the crescent moon remain crucial as Muslims prepare for the culmination of Ramadan and the commencement of Shawwal.

Original Source: www.mylondon.news