As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of Eid al-Fitr. But when exactly will this significant celebration take place, and how is its date determined?
The Role of Moon Sighting
The Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Consequently, the start and end of each of the 12 Islamic months are dictated by the sighting of the new crescent moon. This system also causes Islamic months to shift each year in relation to the solar calendar.
To establish the conclusion of Ramadan, official moon sighting committees in various Muslim-majority nations convene at sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan to observe whether the crescent moon is visible.
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For those who began fasting on March 1, the moon sighting is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, March 29. If the new crescent is observed, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30. However, if the moon remains unseen, Ramadan will extend by another day, and Eid will be observed on Monday, March 31.
Possibility of Eid on Tuesday
Since some countries commenced Ramadan on March 2 instead of March 1, the possibility arises that Eid al-Fitr may be marked by many Muslims on Tuesday, April 1.
Nations such as Malaysia, Pakistan, Iran, and Morocco began fasting on March 2. For these countries, the official moon sighting will occur on Sunday, March 30, determining whether Eid will fall on Monday or Tuesday.
Differences in Moon Sighting Methods
In nations where Muslims form a minority and lack centralized moon sighting authorities, determining the Eid date has led to variations in celebration. Some communities rely on local moon sightings, while others adhere to Saudi Arabia’s announcements, sometimes leading to ‘split Eids.’
This phenomenon is particularly evident in the UK, where most mosques follow Saudi Arabia’s lunar calendar. However, a growing movement is advocating for independent moon sightings, arguing that this aligns more closely with the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
One such organization, the New Crescent Society, plans to conduct its own moon sighting for Shawwal—the month following Ramadan—on Sunday. The group has raised concerns about the reliability of Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting declarations, asserting that the crescent moon may not be visible as early as reported.
It is scientifically impossible to see the new crescent in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, March 29,” said Imad Ahmed, founder of the New Crescent Society, in a statement. “In fact, it will not be visible anywhere across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or Europe.”
Conclusion
The exact date of Eid al-Fitr remains subject to moon sightings, which vary depending on regional observations and methodologies. Whether it falls on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, Muslims worldwide will come together to mark the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasts, and communal gatherings, celebrating a month of devotion and spiritual reflection.