Latest news with #AbdullahAl-Khudairi
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Eid ul Fitr 2025 announced in Saudi Arabia after 'crescent moon sighted'
Saudi Arabia has announced the date for Eid ul Fitr 2025 after attempts to sight the moon took place at 10 astronomical observatories on Saturday, March 29. Officials said: "The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. #EidAlFitr will be celebrated on Sunday, 30th March 2025." This means that Ramadan will end tonight for Saudi citizens and the next month of Shawwal begins, marked by the Eid festivities that celebrate the end of daily fasting. The neighbouring United Arab Emirates also declared Eid as March 30, but in adjoining Oman, the crescent was not sighted so Eid won't get underway there until Monday, March 31. READ MORE: Eid ul Fitr 2025 LIVE moonsighting updates for Saudi Arabia, UK and around world Eid ul Fitr 2025 date announced in Australia but some will wait for moonsighting A local TV reporter in Saudi Arabia had earlier said there was only a limited chance to see the moon, explaining: "Many crescent observers expect the Shawwal crescent to remain visible on the horizon for 7 to 8 minutes - a brief window to confirm its presence. Its sighting depends on the clarity of the skies." One Saudi moonsighting observer, Abdullah Al-Khudairi, told the media: "The disagreement over the possibility of sighting the Shawwal crescent today is not among academic experts, but rather among amateur observers. The sighting today depends on the clarity of the sky. "The skies are perfectly clear for sighting the Shawwal crescent. There are no difficulties today." This was in spite of data from astronomers indicating that the moon would not be visible in most parts of the world on Saturday. However, Saudi Arabia had already marked Sunday as the start of Eid, and many believed it would declare a sighting that matched its predetermined national calendar of dates. The New Crescent Society had predicted a surprise sighting seemed likely, saying: "It looks like we are heading into another split Eid this year, though we will know for sure this weekend. This year is very controversial, as the split is likely to be caused by an 'impossible' moonsighting in Saudi. Of course, these are simply predictions. "On Saturday, March 29.... the moon is not scientifically possible to see anywhere in Saudi, the Middle East, Asia, Africa or Europe, even with telescopes. "Despite this, it is likely Saudi will produce a scientifically 'impossible' moonsighting. These phantom moon sightings are almost annual occurrences and seem to align with their preprinted Umm al Qura calendar - a calendar which does not match lunar visibility." Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp. Join our dedicated community for the most up-to-date news from across the city. You can also sign up to our Brummie Muslims newsletter for the latest updates on Ramadan, Eid and key dates throughout the Islamic calendar.
Saudi Gazette
29-03-2025
- Climate
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi observers say Shawwal crescent may be visible on Saturday
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — As observatories across Saudi Arabia prepare to sight the Shawwal crescent moon, experts say conditions may allow for the moon to be seen on Saturday evening, marking the potential end of Ramadan. Renowned moon-sighter Abdullah Al-Khudairi from the Sudair observatory said the moon's position today is more favorable than it was at the start of Ramadan. 'The crescent is expected to remain in the sky for around eight minutes after sunset,' he explained, while stressing that lunar eclipses or solar eclipses have no bearing on moon visibility. From the Tamir observatory, observer Mutib Al-Burghash said the sighting is not impossible. 'If the skies remain clear, it is possible to see the crescent,' he said. However, the National Center of Meteorology noted that cloud formations may affect sky conditions over Sudair and Tamir. The Supreme Court has urged all Muslims across the Kingdom to try to sight the moon on Saturday evening, the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 29.
