Eid ul-Fitr 2025: Moon Sighting Schedule for Saudi Arabia, UK, and Morocco
As Ramadan 2025 concludes, the exact timing for Eid ul-Fitr is dependent on the sighting of the Shawwal moon. UK astronomers anticipate Eid will occur on Monday, March 31, but Saudi Arabia has announced Sunday as Eid, potentially leading to different celebration dates. Moon visibility information has been released, and London sunset times are provided for those looking to observe the moon.
As Ramadan 2025 concludes, the anticipation for Eid ul-Fitr mounts, particularly regarding the moon sighting to signify the start of Shawwal. UK astronomy experts have established timing details for the sighting of the crescent moon, which will determine whether Eid is celebrated on Sunday or Monday.
In the 2025 lunar calendar, Ramadan began variably on March 1 or March 2, contingent on moon visibility. For example, in Saudi Arabia, where the moon was sighted on February 28, Ramadan commenced on March 1. Conversely, the UK experienced its start on March 2 because the crescent moon was not visible until then. As a result, Muslims in the UK may celebrate Eid on different days, possibly aligning with either Saudi Arabia or Morocco.
The moon must be sighted on the 29th of the Islamic month, leading to the possibility that some countries may observe the sighting on Saturday, March 29, while others may do so on Sunday, March 30. Eid ul-Fitr will follow the day after the moon sighting. However, despite reports from UK astronomers that the moon would not be visible in Britain or the Middle East on Saturday evening, leading them to suggest that Eid should occur on Monday, March 31, Saudi Arabia has already declared Sunday as Eid, likely based on its national calendar.
The UK’s HM Nautical Almanac Office has released visibility dates and times for the moon. The only places where the moon might be visible without a telescope are the northernmost regions of the eastern US and Canada, while most of the world will have to wait until Sunday for confirmation.
Those in London wishing to sight the new moon should note that on Sunday, sunset will occur at 7:31 PM with moonset at 9:28 PM. For Monday, sunset will be at 7:33 PM and moonset at 11:03 PM, with detailed visibility charts available from the HM Nautical Almanac Office.
In conclusion, Eid ul-Fitr timings for 2025 hinge on the sighting of the crescent moon, which significantly varies between regions. While UK astronomers anticipate Eid will likely fall on Monday, March 31, Saudi Arabia has already designated Sunday as the starting day. This variance creates potential differences in celebrations both in the UK and globally, highlighting the importance of local moon sighting traditions. Thus, observing lunar timings will be essential for community planning and individual observance during this holy festival.
Original Source: www.mylondon.news
