The Moon Sighting Committees in South Asia and the UK will observe the crescent moon on March 30, 2025, to decide the start of Eid al Fitr. If sighted, Eid will be celebrated on March 31; otherwise, it will be on April 1. Saudi Arabia has confirmed March 30 for its Eid celebrations, joined by other nations.
The Moon Sighting Committees and religious authorities across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom have requested Muslims to observe the crescent moon, or Eid Chand, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, which corresponds to the 29th of Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar. The Central Moon Sighting Committees have prepared for the observation of the new moon, pivotal in determining the commencement of Eid al Fitr 2025 in these regions.
Following the sunset prayer (Maghrib), these committees will gather to evaluate any sightings of the Shawwal moon. They have issued calls to various cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Karachi, requesting community members to assist in the moon sighting. Additionally, Wifaqul Ulama UK has reached out to Muslims in London and other areas of the UK, while the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura is also involved in the moon sighting efforts.
The Religious Affairs Ministry in Dhaka, alongside the Central Moon Sighting Committee in both New Delhi and Karachi, is expected to make an official announcement following the Maghrib prayers on Sunday evening. If the new moon is observed, Eid will be celebrated on Monday, March 31, 2025. Conversely, should there be no sighting, the following day, April 1, 2025, will mark the first day of Eid.
The Islamic calendar operates on a lunar system, whereby a new month begins following the sighting of the moon on the 29th day of the current month. Failure to spot the crescent means the current month is extended to 30 days. Hence, Eid al Fitr festivities will either be held on March 31 or April 1, depending on the sightings.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has confirmed March 30, 2025, as the inaugural day of Shawwal and Eid al Fitr, having verified the sighting of the Eid moon on March 29. Other nations such as the UAE, Qatar, and various Arab states will join in the celebrations on this day, while some regions, like Oman, have opted to mark Eid al Fitr on the following day, March 31, 2025.
In summary, the Moon Sighting Committees across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the UK are engaged in observing the crescent moon on March 30, 2025, to determine the start of Eid al Fitr. If the moon is seen, celebrations will commence on March 31; if not, the festivity will shift to April 1. Additionally, Saudi Arabia and several other countries have confirmed their Eid celebrations for March 30, 2025. The lunar calendar’s reliance on moon sightings maintains its significant role in determining Islamic events.
Original Source: ummid.com
