Eid Al Fitr 2025: Will It Fall on March 30 or 31? UAE Astronomer Provides Insights on Shawwal Crescent Sighting
When Will Eid Al Fitr 2025 Be Observed? Astronomical Calculations and Crescent Sighting Predictions
As Ramadan 1446 AH draws to a close, the Islamic world is eagerly awaiting confirmation of the exact date for Eid al-Fitr. Will it be on Sunday, March 30, after 29 days of fasting, or will Monday, March 31, mark the first day of Eid following a full 30 days of Ramadan? The answer lies in lunar observations and astronomical calculations.
Astronomical Insights from Ibrahim Al-Jarwan
Emirati astronomer and Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, shared exclusive insights on the anticipated crescent moon sighting. According to his calculations, the Shawwal crescent will not be visible after sunset on Saturday, March 29, 2025, the 29th of Ramadan.
- Shawwal Crescent Birth: The crescent will be born at 14:58 UAE time on March 29.
- Visibility Issues: The crescent will set only minutes after sunset, making it impossible to sight with the naked eye or advanced equipment.
- Predicted Outcome: Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Key Crescent Visibility Criteria
Al-Jarwan explained that for a crescent moon to be visible, the following conditions must be met:
- Moon Born Before Sunset
- At Least 6 Degrees from the Sun
- Crescent Age of 12+ Hours
- Visibility for 20+ Minutes After Sunset
These conditions will not be met on March 29, confirming that Ramadan will be completed on Sunday, March 30, and Eid will be observed on March 31.
Global Moon Sighting Efforts
The International Astronomical Centre and other organizations confirmed that sighting the crescent on March 29 will be impossible in the eastern hemisphere, including Mecca, Cairo, Muscat, and Amman. While some areas in the Americas may observe the crescent with telescopes, unaided visibility will be limited.
However, Egypt‘s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics has stated that Eid al-Fitr could fall on Sunday, March 30, based on its own moon sighting calculations, where the crescent will be visible for 7 to 12 minutes after sunset in Cairo and Mecca.
Conclusion: Full 30 Days or Early Eid?
While the UAE and many Arab countries anticipate completing a 30-day Ramadan, Egypt may still declare Eid on March 30 based on its national criteria. Official announcements will follow after physical moon sightings by designated committees.
Takeaways:
- March 29: No crescent visibility expected in most of the Islamic world.
- March 31: Eid al-Fitr is likely to be celebrated in most regions.
- March 30: Possible Eid date for Egypt, pending official sighting.
As the Islamic world awaits final declarations, the exact date of Eid will depend on local moon sightings and astronomical observations.
- Source: GULF NEWS
