The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has released its forecast regarding the sighting of the Shawwal 1446 moon for Eid-ul-Fitr 2025. According to SUPARCO, the new moon of Shawwal will be formed on March 29 at 3:58 PM (Pakistan time). By sunset on March 30, the moon’s age will be approximately 27 hours, making it visible in Pakistan. It is expected that Ramadan will last for 29 days this year in Pakistan, with Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 observed on March 31.
In contrast, SUPARCO has indicated that the likelihood of moon sighting on March 29 in Saudi Arabia is almost negligible. By sunset in Makkah, the moon’s age will be just five hours, making it difficult to sight. Thus, Shawwal’s moon is expected to be visible in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East on March 30, with Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 falling on March 31 in that region.
The federal government in Pakistan has officially announced public holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr, granting a three-day break from March 31 to April 2. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on the evening of March 30 at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony to sight the Shawwal moon.
Eid al-Fitr, which translates to 'festival of breaking the fast,' is a significant celebration for Muslims worldwide, marking the end of Ramadan. The date of Eid-ul-Fitr depends on the appearance of the crescent moon. If the crescent moon is seen on March 29, Eid will be on March 30; otherwise, it will be on March 31.
The UAE is also expected to sight the crescent moon on March 29, marking the 29th day of Ramadan and determining the Eid-ul-Fitr date. They have announced a three-day holiday from April 1-3, with an extra day off if Ramadan extends. The USA and other Western countries will likewise sight the crescent moon on March 29, marking Ramadan's 29th day. However, Pakistan and Bangladesh typically start Ramadan a day after the Middle East and Western nations, planning to sight the crescent moon on March 30.
Astronomers in Saudi Arabia have predicted that the Shawwal moon would be visible in the kingdom on Saturday evening, March 29, indicating that Eid ul Fitr will likely fall on March 30. In Saudi Arabia, the new moon is expected to be born at 2:00 PM on March 29, and it would be visible for eight minutes after sunset, according to Arab media. However, SUPARCO reiterated that the chances of moon sighting on March 29 in Saudi Arabia were minimal, with the moon's age at sunset in Makkah being just five hours.
The kingdom's Supreme Court has called on Muslims across the country to sight the Shawwal moon on the evening of March 29. The sighting of the Shawwal moon will mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid ul Fitr. The court urged anyone who sights the crescent moon—whether with the naked eye or through binoculars—to report their observation to the nearest court and register their testimony. This year, Ramadan began on March 1 in the kingdom. If the moon is not sighted on March 29, Ramadan will extend to 30 days, and Eid ul Fitr will commence on Monday, March 31.
Despite the astronomical predictions, there are ongoing debates surrounding moon sightings. Reports have surfaced accusing Saudi Arabia of 'faking' some of its moon sightings. Critics claim that the kingdom has announced moon sightings on days when astronomers insist it is impossible to see the moon. This controversy raises questions about the legitimacy of moon sightings in Saudi Arabia and whether Muslims in regions like India should follow Saudi traditions or rely on local sightings.
In India, the decision regarding moon sighting is typically made by local committees, with no centralized authority overseeing the process. Significant mosques such as Delhi’s Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri Masjid often make official declarations. If the moon is not sighted in India due to weather conditions, there is debate about whether Muslims should follow festivities as per Saudi Arabia or adhere to local moon sightings.
Islam provides flexibility for Muslims to choose whether to follow local moon sightings or those from Saudi Arabia. According to islamqa.info, if the people of your country rely on moon sighting as prescribed in Shari’ah, then you should start and end the fast with them, and you should not differ from them and follow the moon sighting of another country.
However, some argue that if moon sighting in one country is binding upon all countries, individuals should keep their practices discreet to avoid confusion and disputes. This has led to a movement among some British Muslims, particularly those in the UK, advocating for local moon sightings rather than relying solely on announcements from Saudi Arabia.
As the date approaches, many are left wondering whether Eid will be celebrated on March 30 or 31. Astronomers have suggested that the crescent moon heralding the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr will not be visible from most of the world on March 29, including the Middle East. Critics continue to express concerns about the credibility of Saudi moon sightings, questioning the reliance on a predetermined calendar instead of physical sightings.
In summary, the anticipation surrounding Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 is marked by varying predictions and debates about moon sightings. While SUPARCO provides insights for Pakistan, the situation in Saudi Arabia remains complex, with astronomers warning of potential challenges in sighting the moon. Ultimately, the decision of when to celebrate Eid will depend on local customs, religious beliefs, and the visibility of the crescent moon.
