Eid al-Fitr: Moon Sighting & Celebrations

0:00On March 17, Muslims worldwide are nearing the end of Ramadan, watching closely for the first glimpse of the new Crescent Moon to signal Eid, Al Fitter. This festival marks the breaking of the fast after 30 days and kicks off the month of Shahwal, the biggest celebration in the Islamic calendar. Different communities follow varied moon-sighting practices, leading to potential split-dates this year. The new moon forms on Thursday, March 19, but experts say the Crescent will be too faint to spot naked eye in places like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Indonesia that day. Families in London and across the UK are buzzing with anticipation, planning feasts and gatherings once the moon is confirmed. The split from earlier in Ramadan means some started fasting on February 18, others the 19, heightening the excitement for a unified. Close Forecast from the Royal Observatory and groups like the new Crescent Society predict easy visibility by Friday, March 20, or Saturday, March 21, Saudi Arabia expects Eid on

1:03March 20 after sighting starting March 18, while the UK, Morocco, and others likely celebrate March 21, with a live stream from 6.35pm on March 19. Observers everywhere are scanning the skies this week, ready to usher in joy and reflection as Ramadan concludes.