This weekend, families across the globe are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the start of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the 'festival of breaking the fast.' This significant celebration marks the conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. The festivities include prayer, gift-giving, and sharing large feasts with family and friends, all after a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset.
As the month of Ramadan winds down, Muslims in the UK and around the world are looking to the skies for the first sighting of the new moon. The date of Eid al-Fitr will depend on whether the crescent moon is visible tonight. This year has been particularly unique, with many countries experiencing a 'split Ramadan.' While Saudi Arabia and several other nations began fasting on March 1, 2025, others, including the UK, began a day later on March 2.
According to the International Astronomy Center in Abu Dhabi, the crescent moon will not be visible in many regions, including the Middle East, on the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2025. This suggests that Eid should fall on Monday, March 31, 2025. However, countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Sudan, and Tunisia, which commenced fasting on March 1, are expected to announce that Eid will begin on Sunday, March 30.
The Qatari Calendar House has also predicted that March 30 will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr, based on astronomical calculations. Faisal Al Ansari, the executive director of the Qatari Calendar House, stated, "The crescent moon for this year’s Shawwal will be born on the evening of Saturday, March 29 at 1:58 pm Doha local time." This timing adds to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming celebrations.
In the UK, Birmingham-based moonsighting expert Dr. Zahid Nawaz has been fielding inquiries from communities eager to know when Ramadan will conclude and Eid will commence. He has advised that due to the differences in the start of Ramadan, Eid will likely be celebrated on different days around the world, including the UK. For those who began fasting on March 1, attempts to sight the crescent moon will take place on March 29. However, Dr. Nawaz emphasizes that it will be impossible to see the crescent anywhere in the UK, Saudi Arabia, or neighboring Arab countries on that date.
Dr. Nawaz explained, "This is due to a combination of factors including the age of the moon, crescent illumination, altitude, elongation, and the lag time, all of which will be so low that the crescent will be invisible by any method." Despite this scientific consensus, some groups may still announce Eid to fall on March 30 based on their own criteria for moonsighting.
Adding to the complexity of this year’s Eid announcements, a partial solar eclipse is expected to occur on March 29, which will be visible in parts of the Arab world. However, experts clarify that this phenomenon will not affect the visibility of the crescent moon.
In light of these developments, many British Muslims are caught between following the announcements from Saudi Arabia and local moonsighting efforts. For decades, British Muslim communities have predominantly followed Saudi Arabia’s Eid announcements due to convenience and a lack of local moonsighting communities. However, as younger generations become more interested in astronomy and nature, there is a growing call for autonomy in determining when Eid is celebrated.
Imad Ahmed, the founder of the New Crescent Society, a UK-based moon-sighting group, voiced his concerns about relying solely on foreign announcements. He stated, "We are able to look for the moon in our own skies," urging the UK Muslim community to take control of their own lunar observations. He noted that even if Saudi Arabia successfully sights the moon, divisions may still arise over the date of Eid in the UK.
As the anticipation builds, many are looking forward to celebrating Eid al-Fitr with family and friends, regardless of the exact date. The festival represents not only the end of a month of fasting but also a time for reflection, gratitude, and community.
In summary, the varying start dates of Ramadan this year have led to differing expectations for when Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated. While many countries are poised to announce Eid for March 30, the scientific consensus suggests that the crescent moon will not be visible until March 31 in regions like the UK. As communities await the final announcements, the excitement for the festival remains high, with families preparing for joyous gatherings and celebrations.
