Astronomers in Saudi Arabia have predicted that the Shawwal moon will likely be visible on the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2025, corresponding to Ramadan 29, 1446 Hijri. If confirmed, Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30.
According to Arab media, the new moon is expected to be born at 2:00 PM on March 29 and will remain visible for approximately eight minutes after sunset in Saudi Arabia. However, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has expressed skepticism, stating that the chances of moon sighting on March 29 are minimal. Suparco noted that the age of the new moon at sunset in Makkah would be just five hours, making it difficult to spot.
In its statement, Suparco predicted that the Shawwal moon would be more likely visible on Sunday, March 30, across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the kingdom’s Supreme Court has called on Muslims to attempt to sight the Shawwal moon on Saturday evening. The court urged anyone who sights the crescent—whether with the naked eye or through binoculars—to report their observation to the nearest court and register their testimony.
The sighting of the Shawwal moon will officially mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid ul Fitr.
This year, Ramadan began on March 1 in Saudi Arabia. If the moon is not sighted on Saturday, Ramadan will extend to 30 days, and Eid ul Fitr will commence on Monday, March 31. However, if the crescent moon is sighted, Sunday, March 30, will be the first day of Eid ul Fitr.
The final decision will depend on the moon sighting reports submitted to the Supreme Court, which will announce the official date of Eid ul Fitr accordingly.