Eid ul-Fitr 2025 is approaching with expectations for moon sightings to announce its date, potentially resulting in celebrations on March 30 in Saudi Arabia and March 31 in the UK. Variations arise due to differing Ramadan start dates. The HM Nautical Almanac Office has provided guidelines for moon visibility, facilitating local participation in the moon sighting process.
Eid ul-Fitr is approaching as Ramadan 2025 concludes, with expectations for the Shawwal moon sighting. Astronomers from the UK indicate when these sightings should take place to determine whether Eid will fall on Sunday or Monday. Muslims globally, particularly in the UK, will look for the first crescent of the new moon to confirm Eid’s date.
This year experienced a ‘split Ramadan’, beginning on either March 1 or March 2, contingent on moon sightings. Countries like Saudi Arabia commenced Ramadan on March 1 after the moon was sighted on February 28, while the UK began a day later, on March 2. Consequently, celebrations may differ within the UK, as many will synchronize their observances with Saudi Arabia or Morocco.
As moon sightings occur on the 29th of an Islamic month, this will take place on Saturday, March 29, for some and on Sunday, March 30, for others, followed by Eid celebrations the next day. Despite reports from UK astronomers indicating the moon may not be visible in Britain or the Middle East on Saturday night, thus suggesting Eid on Monday, March 31, Saudi Arabia has already declared Sunday for its Eid observance, potentially following its national calendar.
For announcements this weekend, the UK’s HM Nautical Almanac Office provided a schedule detailing moon visibility. Only regions in the northernmost parts of the east coast of the USA and Canada might have the chance to sight the moon visually, while the rest of the world will await confirmation on Sunday.
Individuals wishing to observe the new crescent moon in London on Sunday will note that sunset occurs at 7:31 PM and moonset at 9:28 PM. For Monday, sunset is at 7:33 PM with the moon setting at 11:03 PM. A complete chart listing cities and times is available from the HM Nautical Almanac Office.
In summary, the determination of Eid ul-Fitr for 2025 is contingent on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, with significant variations anticipated within the UK and other countries, including Saudi Arabia and Morocco. While astronomers indicate a likely Eid on March 31 in the UK, differing national observances may lead to celebrations on March 30 in Saudi Arabia. Moon sighting schedules have been shared to guide believers in their observances this weekend.
Original Source: www.mylondon.news
