Dispute Over Moonsighting Marks Eid ul Fitr 2025 Celebration in Saudi Arabia

Eid ul Fitr 2025 began on March 30 in Saudi Arabia, despite predictions from astronomers suggesting the crescent moon would not be visible on that date. Saudi officials announced the sighting, leading to celebrations nevertheless amidst public skepticism and calls for evidence supporting the sighting. Discrepancies between official announcements and astronomical data raise questions about lunar observation methods and practices.

Eid ul Fitr 2025 commenced on March 30 in Saudi Arabia and several neighboring countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait. The announcement from Saudi officials came at approximately 3 PM (UK time) on March 29, marking the conclusion of Ramadan and the arrival of Shawwal, signifying the beginning of the Eid ul Fitr festivities which typically last three days. Despite this declaration, astronomers had indicated that sighting the crescent moon was unlikely on March 29 due to specific astronomical conditions.

The HM Almanac Office had forecasted that sightings of the crescent moon on March 29 were improbable in many regions due to the timing of the new moon. Their statement indicated, “It is unlikely that any sort of sighting of the crescent moon will be possible on March 29 from the Middle East, North Africa, the United Kingdom and the eastern seaboard of the United States in particular.” Alternative sightings were anticipated for March 30 through April 1.

Contrary to these predictions, officials from the Two Holy Mosques announced through social media, “The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. EidAlFitr will be celebrated on Sunday, 30th March 2025.” Observers noted that limited visibility conditions would be critical for successfully sighting the crescent, as it could only be visible for a brief window around sunset.

Several observers were engaged in the task of moonsighting across various astronomical observatories in Saudi Arabia. Abdullah Al-Khudairi, a moonsighting expert, clarified that the contention surrounding the moon’s visibility was between amateur observers rather than academic experts and emphasized that the conditions that day were conducive for sighting the crescent.

Nonetheless, skepticism arose on social media regarding the authenticity of the official sighting. Concerns were raised about whether the moon could have realistically been observed before sunset, with some individuals expressing doubts about the reliability of the Saudi announcement. Callers demanded evidence, including time-stamped photographs, to substantiate claims regarding the crescent sighting.

In the United Kingdom, the New Crescent Society aligned with scientific predictions, articulating that the crescent moon was not expected to be visible anywhere in regions including Saudi Arabia. Dr. Zahid Nawaz from the Ahlus Sunnah Moonsighting Board in Birmingham also supported this view, outlining the conditions that would render a sighting impossible that day due to the partial solar eclipse.

It is noteworthy that some community organizations in the UK, such as the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre, follow Saudi announcements for Eid celebrations. Community events are scheduled for March 30, despite the prevailing uncertainties regarding the astronomical phenomena and the conflicting reports.

The commencement of Eid ul Fitr 2025 in Saudi Arabia has been surrounded by controversy, primarily due to discrepancies between official announcements regarding moonsightings and scientific predictions. Despite developing skepticism regarding the sighting, official declarations persist, leading to celebrations being held across several nations. Experts emphasize the necessity for transparency in lunar observations to reconcile scientific findings with community practices regarding Islamic calendar observances.

Original Source: www.birminghammail.co.uk