Eid ul Fitr 2025 in Saudi Arabia: Moonsighting Disputes and Official Announcements

Eid ul Fitr was declared on March 29, 2025, in Saudi Arabia, despite astronomers’ claims of the moon’s invisibility. The announcement created debate over traditional and scientific perspectives on moon sighting. Various experts and observers expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the sighting, highlighting a complex intersection of faith and astronomy in determining significant Islamic dates.

On March 29, 2025, Eid ul Fitr was announced in Saudi Arabia, commencing Ramadan’s conclusion despite astronomers asserting that the crescent moon was not visible. This announcement was made just after 3 PM UK time, corresponding to shortly after sunset in Saudi Arabia, marking the transition to the month of Shawwal. The festivities of Eid, meaning ‘festival of breaking the fast’, traditionally span three days and signify the end of Ramadan.

Saudi officials proclaimed the crescent moon sighting despite predictions from the HM Almanac Office, which stated visibility was improbable in various regions including the Middle East and North Africa due to the timing of the new moon. The agency noted, “Sightings of the crescent moon are unlikely for most of the globe on Saturday, March 29th…easy sightings of the crescent moon should be possible with the naked eye on Sunday, March 30, Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1.”

Official sources from the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia ultimately confirmed the sighting, stating, “The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. EidAlFitr will be celebrated on Sunday, 30th March 2025.” A local TV reporter acknowledged limited visibility of the crescent, noting observers hoped to confirm a sighting for a brief window of approximately 7 to 8 minutes, reliant on clear skies.

Ten observatories across Saudi Arabia engaged in searching for the crescent, as highlighted by Abdullah Al-Khudairi who stated, “The disagreement over the possibility of sighting the Shawwal crescent today is not among academic experts, but rather among amateur observers.” He also emphasized that sky conditions were optimal for the crescent’s visibility.

Despite his conviction, skepticism arose on social media with some netizens questioning the legitimacy of the moon sighting claims. Many demanded concrete evidence, including time-stamped photographs. Critics expressed disbelief, alleging that the announcement reflected a commitment to a pre-printed calendar rather than astronomical realities.

Experts from the New Crescent Society and Dr. Zahid Nawaz from the UK Ahlus Sunnah Moonsighting Board asserted that sighting the crescent on March 29 was scientifically improbable due to factors affecting visibility. Dr. Nawaz further warned that a partial solar eclipse visible in parts of the Arab world would inhibit moon visibility during that timeframe.

This debate illustrates the complex intersection of astronomy and religious practice, with significant implications for the broader Muslim community’s observance of Eid around the world. Some communities in the UK, such as the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre, follow Saudi announcements closely, impacting local Eid celebrations.

The announcement of Eid ul Fitr in 2025 by Saudi Arabian officials raised significant discussions regarding the visibility of the crescent moon. Astronomical predictions indicated a lack of visibility; however, Saudi authorities declared a sighting, igniting skepticism among observers. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between astronomical expertise and traditional religious practices in determining significant dates in the Islamic calendar. Ultimately, the events underscore a need for transparency and scientific rigor in lunar observations.

Original Source: www.birminghammail.co.uk