Eid ul-Fitr 2025: Moon Sighting Timings for Saudi Arabia, UK, and Morocco
Eid ul-Fitr 2025 is expected to be celebrated on either March 30 or March 31, depending on moon sightings. While Saudi Arabia has announced Eid for Sunday, UK astronomers predict the moon will not be visible until Monday. The differing start dates of Ramadan resulted in a ‘split Ramadan,’ impacting Eid celebration dates in countries like the UK and Morocco. Relevant timings for moon sightings have been shared by HM Nautical Almanac Office.
Eid ul-Fitr is approaching as Ramadan 2025 concludes, with the beginning of Shawwal anticipated. UK astronomers have established the timing for moon sighting announcements, which is crucial as it will determine whether Eid is celebrated on Sunday or Monday. Muslims around the world will look for the crescent moon to confirm the date of the celebration.
The commencement of Ramadan in 2025 was characterized by a ‘split Ramadan’, beginning either on March 1 or March 2, depending on moon sightings. Saudi Arabia observed the moon on February 28, leading to Ramadan starting there on March 1. In contrast, the UK did not detect the moon until the following day, resulting in a start date of March 2. Therefore, the alignment of Eid celebrations could vary significantly in the UK, following either Saudi or Moroccan calendars.
As the Islamic calendar requires the moon to be sighted on the 29th day of the month, the variance in Ramadan start dates will likely lead to moon sightings on either March 29 or March 30. Eid will then commence the following day. Even though UK astronomers assert that the moon will not be visible in Britain or the Middle East on Saturday night, indicating Eid should occur on Monday, March 31, Saudi Arabia has declared Sunday as Eid, probably following its established national calendar.
To assist in moon sighting, HM Nautical Almanac Office has released dates and times for moon visibility. Notably, only select regions in the northeastern USA and Canada might visually confirm the moon. For others around the world, including the UK, the moon sighting will require waiting until Sunday.
For those observing in London, the moon will be visible on Sunday evening, with sunset at 7:31 PM and moonset at 9:28 PM. For Monday, the corresponding times are sunset at 7:33 PM and moonset at 11:03 PM, with further details available in the full chart provided by HM Nautical Almanac Office.
In conclusion, the commencement of Eid ul-Fitr in 2025 will depend on moon sightings, which may vary by region. The UK experienced a split Ramadan, and while Saudi Arabia has determined Eid will commence on Sunday, UK astronomers predict a visibility challenge that suggests Eid will likely fall on Monday. Local Muslims are encouraged to observe the crescent moon on Sunday, and specific timings for moon visibility have been provided for various locations, aiding in the proper celebration of Eid.
Original Source: www.mylondon.news
