Eid ul-Fitr 2025: Timing for Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia, UK, and Morocco

Eid ul-Fitr 2025 is dependent on moon sightings, which vary by region. Predictions indicate the new crescent may not be seen in the UK or Middle East until March 30, yet Saudi Arabia anticipates Eid on March 31. The HM Nautical Almanac Office has provided detailed visibility timings.

Eid ul-Fitr is approaching as Ramadan 2025 concludes, with the commencement of Shawwal anticipated. UK astronomy experts have predicted specific timings for moon sighting announcements, essential for determining the day of Eid celebrations, whether on Sunday or Monday. The sighting of the new moon will be a significant event awaited by Muslims globally.

This year, the commencement of Ramadan was referred to as a ‘split Ramadan’, beginning on March 1 or March 2, contingent on moon visibility. For instance, Saudi Arabia observed the moon on February 28, commencing Ramadan on March 1. Conversely, the moon was not sighted in the UK until March 2, leading to variability in celebration dates that could cause differences in Eid observance across locations in the UK.

As moon sighting guidelines dictate the observation should occur on the 29th day of the Islamic month, differences in Ramadan start dates result in moon sighting happening either on Saturday, March 29 or Sunday, March 30, followed by Eid celebrations. UK astronomers have indicated that the moon will not be visible in the UK or the Middle East on Saturday night, which suggests Eid will likely be observed on Monday, March 31. However, Saudi Arabia has already announced Eid to commence on Sunday, following its national calendar.

The UK’s HM Nautical Almanac Office has released a timetable indicating when the moon will be visible. Optimal moon sighting may only be feasible for individuals located on the northeastern coast of the USA and Canada, while those elsewhere will need to await sightings on Sunday.

For individuals looking to spot the new crescent moon, in London on Sunday, sunset will be at 7:31 PM and moonset at 9:28 PM. On Monday, sunset will be at 7:33 PM and moonset at 11:03 PM. Further details, including comprehensive timing charts for various cities, can be found from the HM Nautical Almanac Office.

In summary, the timing for Eid ul-Fitr 2025 is contingent upon moon sightings, which vary by geographic location. There is a potential celebration difference on March 30 or 31 among Muslims in the UK and their counterparts in Saudi Arabia and Morocco, given the variable sighting outcomes. Accurate predictions from astronomy experts and the HM Nautical Almanac Office will play a crucial role in guiding observances this Ramadan season.

Original Source: www.mylondon.news