The celebration of Aïd el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is set to take place on Monday, March 31, 2025, in Algeria, as confirmed by the Algerian astronomy association, Sirius. The announcement comes after the group's detailed calculations regarding the lunar crescent's visibility and the impending lunar conjunction.
Sirius, in a statement shared on March 23, noted that the lunar conjunction will occur on Saturday, March 29, at 11:57 AM local time. This timing reveals that the crescent moon will not be visible that evening, which raises questions about potential discrepancies between Algeria and other countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, that might observe the crescent differently.
According to the calculations provided by Sirius, there are multiple factors leading to the conclusion that Ramadan in Algeria will last 30 days this year. Specifically, they pointed out significant limitations: the moon will not rise high enough above the horizon (never exceeding 3 degrees). Additionally, the time interval available for observation after the conjunction and before sunset will be only 18 minutes in Algiers, making it nearly impossible to sight the crescent with either the naked eye or with instruments.
In fact, a partial solar eclipse is set to occur on the morning of March 29. This solar event coinciding with the new moon further enhances the argument against the visibility of the crescent that evening. The association noted, “the conditions for the crescent's visibility wouldn’t be favorable, and hence we predict that Ramadan will finish after 30 days, thus the Aïd will be celebrated on Monday, March 31.”
Given this context, there lies a possibility of divergence between Algeria and other Muslim nations regarding the celebration date. If Saudi Arabia announces it saw the crescent on Sunday, March 30, this could prompt many countries to follow suit, including those that typically rely on local sighting methods.
As Sirius emphasized, this scenario could create what they termed an “effect domino” within the Muslim world. Countries such as Turkey, which employ astronomical calculations rather than visual confirmation, might also declare the Aïd to occur on March 30, leading to confusion and varied observance across regions.
The final decision regarding the date of Aïd in Algeria rests with the national commission in charge of crescent observation, under the auspices of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. While Sirius stands by its astronomical determinations, the commission is scheduled to meet on Saturday evening, March 29, to verify any reported sightings.
In Belgium, nearly 900,000 Muslims are also awaiting the final confirmation of their Aïd el-Fitr date, expected to be around March 30. The Council of Theologians at the Muslim Council of Belgium will formally establish this date during the Night of Doubt, a time when the crescent is traditionally observed for Ramadan's conclusion.
The month of Ramadan began on Saturday, March 1, and will end with the celebration of Aïd el-Fitr, also known as “the little feast.” This festival is significant for Muslims as it marks a time of joy and reflection following 29 or 30 days of fasting, dependent on lunar cycles.
However, as the quest for clarity continues, many are left pondering whether divergent decisions from various Islamic authorities may lead to multiple celebrations of Aïd el-Fitr on different dates. With the complexity of astronomical calculations and the reliance on local sighting traditions, the sense of unity among the Muslim community could be tested.
In summary, uncertainty looms about Aïd el-Fitr's date as people from Algeria to Belgium navigate the intricate relationship between lunar cycles and astronomical observations. While one thing is clear, Aïd el-Fitr will prompt celebrations that reflect both cultural significance and shared faith amidst the challenges posed by divergent observations.
