Eid 2025 Timeline: Moon Sighting and Celebration Dates for Saudi…

Eid ul-Fitr in 2025 depends on moon sighting; varying Ramadan start dates lead to potential differences in celebration timing between Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Morocco. Observations indicate that the moon may be invisible in the UK and Middle East on Saturday night, suggesting Eid will likely fall on Monday, March 31, contrary to Saudi Arabia’s observed start on Sunday.

Eid ul-Fitr is anticipated to occur following the conclusion of Ramadan 2025, with moon sighting announcements crucial for determining the exact day of celebration. UK astronomy experts have specified that watching for the new crescent moon will establish whether Eid falls on Sunday or Monday.

This year, the commencement of Ramadan has been marked by a ‘split Ramadan’, beginning on either March 1 or March 2, contingent upon local moon sighting. In Saudi Arabia, where the moon was observed on February 28, Ramadan commenced on March 1, while in the UK, where visibility was not possible until the next day, it started on March 2.

UK Muslims frequently seek synchronization with Saudi Arabia or Morocco’s celebrations, which might result in variations in the observance of Eid within the UK. The moon sighting, necessary for confirming the conclusion of Ramadan, will occur on either Saturday, March 29 or Sunday, March 30, leading to Eid festivities starting the following day.

Despite the observations by UK astronomers indicating the moon would be invisible in Britain and the Middle East on Saturday night—suggesting Eid would commence on Monday, March 31—Saudi Arabia has opted for Sunday as the designated first day of Eid, likely following its established national calendar.

To assist with moon sighting this weekend, the HM Nautical Almanac Office has published a timetable detailing when the moon may be observed. Notably, only in the northernmost areas of the east coast of the USA and Canada might the moon be visible to the naked eye, while the rest of the globe may need to defer observations until Sunday.

For those wishing to hunt for the crescent moon on Sunday in London, sunset is scheduled for 7:31 PM, with moonset at 9:28 PM. On Monday, sunset will be at 7:33 PM and moonset at 11:03 PM. A comprehensive chart of moon sighting times for various cities is available from the HM Nautical Almanac Office.

In conclusion, the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr in 2025 hinges on the sighting of the crescent moon, a process influenced by regional variances in Ramadan commencement. Astronomical predictions suggest that Saudi Arabia will celebrate on Sunday, March 31, while UK Muslims may need to wait until Monday due to visibility issues. Local sunset and moonset timings will guide observers seeking to witness the moon, highlighting the importance of community alignment in celebrations.

Original Source: www.mylondon.news