As Ramadan draws to its heartfelt conclusion, anticipation fills the skies of Saudi Arabia as countless eyes turn upward, searching for the delicate crescent that signifies joy and celebration. The Eid ul Fitr moon sighting in Saudi Arabia holds the power to unite millions, yet once again, it sparks eager debates, hopeful predictions, and passionate discussions among astronomers, religious scholars, and Muslim communities worldwide. Here's everything you need to know about this year's moon sighting and Eid celebrations.
Saudi Supreme Court Calls for Moon Sighting on March 29
Mark your calendars—on the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2025, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has officially urged Muslims across the nation to take part in visually observing the Shawwal crescent moon. Citizens are encouraged to report any sightings promptly through official channels, helping to determine the official start of Eid ul Fitr festivities.
When Will Eid ul Fitr 2025 Begin? Predictions in Saudi Arabia Explained
Traditionally, if the Shawwal crescent moon is sighted clearly on March 29, Saudi Arabia will joyously welcome Eid ul Fitr on Sunday, March 30, 2025. However, if no reliable moon sighting takes place due to conditions or visibility concerns, Ramadan would complete its full 30-day cycle, pushing Eid celebrations to Monday, March 31, 2025. Nevertheless, the Kingdom's Umm al-Qura calendar has projected Eid for March 30, heightening the expectation among locals despite scientific doubts.
Astronomical Controversy Clouds Eid Moon Sighting
Not without controversy, renowned astronomers and organizations like the International Astronomy Centre and the UK's New Crescent Society have clearly stated that sighting the crescent moon on March 29 is astronomically impossible in the Middle East—even with advanced optical equipment. Past Eid moon sighting controversies continue to cast shadows over current methods, with critics pointing out instances where Saudi Arabia declared moon sightings despite scientific objections, creating debates globally each year.
Festive Celebrations: Saudi Government Declares Eid Public Holiday
No matter where the scientific debates lead, enthusiasm is high across public and private sectors. Saudi authorities have announced a four-day public holiday from Sunday, March 30 to Wednesday, April 2, significantly extending the Eid celebrations. Private-sector employees are already planning extended breaks, combining official holidays with weekends to maximize their festive time with family and friends.
The Global Impact: Eid ul Fitr Moon Sighting Beyond Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's Eid announcements traditionally resonate far beyond its borders, impacting many Muslim-majority countries that tend to align their festive dates accordingly. Yet, ongoing discussions grow louder in communities such as those in the UK, where local leaders increasingly advocate for independently confirmed moon sightings rather than automatic adherence to Saudi declarations.
Regional Preparations and the Broader Context
Across nearby nations like the UAE and Kuwait, authorities and residents are similarly awaiting confirmation of the Shawwal moon sighting on March 29 to finalize Eid preparations. Interestingly, a partial solar eclipse occurring on March 29 over North Africa has no direct relevance to the Eid moon sighting criteria but nonetheless offers stargazing enthusiasts an extra celestial event to admire.
Stay tuned as Saudi Arabia awaits the moon's slender crescent, eager to announce the arrival of joyous celebrations. Eid Mubarak in advance to those observing!
