Eid ul Fitr 2025 Moonsighting Confirms Celebration Amid Disagreement

Eid ul Fitr 2025 was announced to begin on March 30 in Saudi Arabia, despite predictions it would not be visible. While officials declared the crescent sighting, astronomers and observers raised skepticism regarding the visibility. Key factors contributing to this controversy include conflicting data on astronomical conditions and public demands for evidence of lunar sightings.

Eid ul Fitr 2025 commenced in Saudi Arabia and several neighboring countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait, on March 30. The declaration regarding Eid was made shortly after 3 PM UK time on March 29, corresponding to around 6 PM Saudi time, aligning with their sunset. This announcement signifies the end of Ramadan and the commencement of the month of Shawwal, marked by the festivities of Eid ul Fitr, or the ‘festival of breaking the fast.’ Typically, this celebration lasts three days.

However, UK astronomers from the HM Almanac Office had projected that the crescent moon would remain invisible on March 29. They stated, “Sightings of the crescent moon are unlikely for most of the globe… It is unlikely that any sighting of the crescent moon will be possible on March 29 from the Middle East.”

Contrary to the predictions, Saudi officials from the Two Holy Mosques declared the sighting of the crescent moon, stating, “The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. EidAlFitr will be celebrated on Sunday, 30th March 2025.” Some local reporters suggested the possibility of lunar sighting, albeit limited, noting that the moon’s visibility would depend on atmospheric clarity.

A total of ten astronomical observatories across Saudi Arabia were engaged in searching for the crescent. Observer Abdullah Al-Khudairi remarked, “The disagreement over the possibility of sighting the Shawwal crescent today is not among academic experts, but rather among amateur observers.” Nevertheless, public skepticism grew as individuals questioned the authenticity of the sightings reported by the observatories.

Critics on social media speculated about the reliability of the reported moon sighting, with one person questioning: “Did they hang a clipping of the moon in front of the telescope…?” Others requested time-stamped photographs as evidence of the sighting, expressing concerns about the implications of potential dishonesty within the religious narrative.

The New Crescent Society in the UK echoed the skepticism, stating, “the moon is not scientifically possible to see anywhere in Saudi,” a sentiment further reinforced by submissions from Dr. Zahid Nawaz, a moonsighting expert. He explained that various astronomical factors would render the crescent invisible post-sunset, reinforcing the necessity of discerning scientific reasoning underpinning lunar announcements.

Furthermore, Dr. Nawaz noted the occurrence of a partial solar eclipse on the same day, which would further hinder the ability to see the crescent. Nonetheless, certain community institutions in the UK, such as Green Lane Masjid, continue to observe and follow the announcements made from Saudi Arabia as they prepare for local Eid festivities.

The announcement of Eid ul Fitr 2025 in Saudi Arabia, despite contrary astronomical predictions, has sparked widespread debate regarding the accuracy of lunar sightings. Officials declared the crescent moon was sighted, yet skepticism persists among experts and the public alike. The discourse highlights the importance of transparency and scientific validation in religious contexts. The complexities surrounding moonsighting methods and differing declarations will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion in future lunar observation efforts.

Original Source: www.birminghammail.co.uk