The crescent moon for Shawwal won’t be visible on March 29, 2025, making Eid Al Fitr likely on March 31 for most Arab countries and Pakistan. Some regions may declare Eid on March 30 due to different astronomical sightings. A partial solar eclipse on the same day will further confirm moon visibility issues.
The International Astronomy Centre confirmed that the crescent moon for Shawwal will not be visible on Saturday, March 29, due to its setting before the sun. Consequently, the actual sighting of the crescent, whether by the naked eye or telescopes, is unfeasible, leading to Ramadan likely extending to 30 days for those who require a sighting.
In this scenario, Eid Al Fitr is expected to occur on Monday, March 31. However, in some regions allowing declaration based on conjunction occurring before sunset, Eid may be observed on Sunday, March 30.
A partial solar eclipse visible in parts of the western Arab world, such as Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, will further establish that the crescent moon cannot be observed during this period. Authorities have cautioned against any false reports of lunar sighting on that day, emphasizing adherence to astronomical data.
The Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) indicated that the Shawwal moon will likely be visible on March 30, supporting the expectation for Eid ul-Fitr to be on March 31, 2025. This alignment suggests most Islamic countries will observe Eid on the same date, March 31.
Given the confirmed astronomical details, it is predicted that most Arab countries and Pakistan will observe Eid Al Fitr on the same day, March 31. The warning against false lunar sightings underscores the reliance on scientific evidence for scheduling Ramadan and Eid festivities.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
