Eid al-Fitr 2025 Moon Sighting not possible on 29th, astronomers' report

Astronomers have said that it will not be possible to see the crescent moon for Shawwal and Eid al-Fitr 2025 on Saturday, March 29, in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East. This is because a solar eclipse, also known as Chand Grehan, will happen, making it hard to spot the moon.

Saudi astronomer Bader Al Omaira explained that the moon will set before the sun, and the moon-sun alignment (called a conjunction) will only happen after sunset. Because of this, the moon cannot be seen by eye or even with telescopes.

The sighting of the crescent moon is important because it marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next Islamic month, Shawwal. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal.

The International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi also said that it will not be possible to see the crescent moon from the eastern parts of the world. Even with special tools, it will be difficult or impossible to see the moon in most Arab and Islamic countries.

If the moon is not seen on March 29, then Ramadan will continue for 30 days, and Eid will be celebrated on Monday, March 31, in Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, and other parts of the world. However, if the moon somehow is seen on March 29, then Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated earlier, on Sunday, March 30.