Eid Observance Dates Confirmed for Arab Countries and Pakistan

The crescent moon of Shawwal will not be visible on March 29, leading to Ramadan likely extending to 30 days. Eid Al Fitr is expected on March 31, 2025, across most of the Islamic world. Some regions may celebrate on March 30, but authorities caution against false lunar sightings.

The International Astronomy Centre announced that the crescent moon of Shawwal will not be visible on Saturday, March 29, across the Arab and Islamic world, as it will set before the sun. This means that the moon’s conjunction will occur after sunset, making it impossible to observe the crescent moon through any means. Consequently, for nations dependent on actual moon sightings to initiate Shawwal, Ramadan will likely extend to thirty days, with Eid Al Fitr anticipated on Monday, March 31.

In certain regions where the moon conjunction happens prior to sunset, allowing for lunar visibility post-sunset, it is possible that some countries may decide to celebrate Eid on Sunday, March 30, based on traditional moon-sighting customs. Additionally, a partial solar eclipse will be observable at noon on Saturday in areas of the western Arab world, which includes Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, providing further evidence that the crescent moon will not be observable on that day.

Authorities have cautioned against erroneous claims of lunar sightings on March 29, underscoring that such assertions would be contradicted by established astronomical data. Earlier forecasts from the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) suggested that the Shawwal moon would be observable on March 30, indicating that Eid ul-Fitr is likely to occur on March 31, 2025. Therefore, it is anticipated that the majority of the Islamic world will observe Eid on the same day, March 31.

In conclusion, the crescent moon of Shawwal is confirmed not to be visible on March 29, indicating that Ramadan will extend to thirty days in regions dependent on sightings. While some countries may choose to celebrate Eid on March 30, the predominant observation date is likely to be March 31, 2025, for the majority of the Islamic world. Authorities have advised against any false claims regarding lunar sightings that contradict scientific evidence.

Original Source: tribune.com.pk