Eid ul-Fitr 2025: Moon Sighting Timings for Saudi Arabia, UK, and Morocco
As Ramadan 2025 comes to a close, Muslims worldwide are preparing for Eid ul-Fitr, with moon sightings determining the start date. While Saudi Arabia is set to celebrate Eid on Sunday, March 30, UK astronomers suggest it may be on Monday, March 31, due to visibility issues. Local timings for moon sightings are provided for various locations.
Eid ul-Fitr is approaching as Ramadan 2025 nears its conclusion, with Shawwal expected to begin. Astronomy experts in the UK have determined the timing for moon sightings, which is crucial for Muslims worldwide to ascertain when Eid will be celebrated. The sighting of the crescent moon will ultimately lead to either a Sunday or Monday Eid celebration.
In 2025, the start of Ramadan varied globally, dependent on lunar sightings. For instance, some nations, like Saudi Arabia, commenced Ramadan on March 1 after sighting the moon on February 28. Conversely, the UK began Ramadan on March 2 due to the moon not being visible until the next day. This discrepancy may lead to varying Eid celebrations among Muslims in the UK, as many align their dates with Saudi Arabia or Morocco.
The determination of Eid timing relies on the sighting on the 29th day of the Islamic month, which means that for some, this occurs on Saturday, March 29, while for others, it is on Sunday, March 30. Eid is anticipated to begin the following day. UK astronomers have indicated that the moon will likely be invisible in Britain and the Middle East on Saturday night, suggesting that the official Eid celebration will occur on Monday, March 31, although Saudi Arabia has already designated Sunday for Eid.
The HM Nautical Almanac Office released a schedule indicating possible moon visibility, noting that only specific northern regions in the USA and Canada might sight the moon. Therefore, most Muslims globally will have to await visibility on Sunday. For those in London wishing to observe the crescent moon, sunset is scheduled for 7:31 PM on Sunday, with moonset at 9:28 PM. On Monday, sunset occurs at 7:33 PM, and moonset is at 11:03 PM. A comprehensive chart detailing the times for various cities is available from the HM Nautical Almanac Office.
The precise timing of Eid ul-Fitr in 2025 remains contingent upon the sighting of the crescent moon, which varies by region. Observations in Saudi Arabia and the UK indicate that Eid may be celebrated on different days due to astronomical factors and lunar visibility. Ultimately, most Muslims will observe Eid on March 31, following the guidance of local astronomy experts and national calendars.
Original Source: www.mylondon.news
