Astronomer reveals exactly when the Eid moon will appear
The end of Ramadan is near, and with that, Muslims across the UK are looking for the crescent moon that marks the start of the next month and Eid ul-Fitr.
The national astronomer has revealed the exact times you will see the moon this weekend, ahead of Eid.
As Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims across the UK will be looking for the crescent moon that marks the start of the next month and Eid ul-Fitr.
However, the date of this year's Eid could be controversial. Saudi Arabia's predetermined Islamic calendar sets the first day of Shawwal and Eid for Sunday (March 30).
However, UK astronomers say the moon was not visible in Britain or the Middle East on Saturday night (March 29), even with a telescope. As such, Eid would fall on Monday (March 31).
Thank you for following our Eid blog
Thank you for following our Eid al-Fitr blog. Celebrations are set to continue throughout Monday among Muslim communities across the UK.
Eid celebrations happening in the US
Eid gatherings have taken place across the US in states like California, where Muslims came together to pray on this important holiday.
Eid celebrations take place in Ukraine
Muslim children in Lviv, Ukraine were handed gifts as part of Eid celebrations there.
Eid celebrated around the world
Eid is being celebrated in major cities around the world including Rome, Italy.
Muslims in London gather in the sunshine
Muslims in london were treated to good weather as they gathered in Burgess Park in the south of the city to celebrate Eid.
Thousands gather in Birmingham park to celebrate Eid
Thousands gathered in Small Heath Park in Birmingham this morning to celebrate Eid. It is the first time the festival was celebrated in the park in over two years after bad weather in 2023 and 2024.
Eid al-Fitr prayers were held at the Small Heath park in Birmingham, where thousands of Muslims and believers from around the world gathered to worship and express gratitude to the Lord of the Worlds. #wntvuk #Birmingham #unitedkingdom #Eid2025 #EidMubarak pic.twitter.com/I5OkzFBJum
\u2014 World News TV (@wntvuk) March 30, 2025
Popular streamer says Eid Mubarak to followers
Speed is an American YouTuber and online streamer known for the dramatic and energetic behavior.
The streamer, thought to be one of the world's most popular online personalities, wished his followers an "Eid Mubarak".
Eid Mubarak \ud83c\udf19 pic.twitter.com/DWecct6pmu
\u2014 Speedy HQ (@IShowSpeedHQ) March 29, 2025
When to see the Eid moon this weekend
Here's what you can expect to see and when, according to the UK's Nautical Almanac Office
On Sunday, the moon's phase will be the new moon. The illuminated fraction is just 0.4%, making it close to impossible to see - either by eye or telescope. The UK's official astronomers say that a crescent moon observation may be feasible.
In London today, the moon will rise at 6.52pm and set at 9.28pm. Tomorrow, the moon will rise at 7.09p, the sun will set at 7.32pm, the hours of darkness will start at 8.02pm, and the moon will set at 11.02pm.
On Monday, the moon's phase will be the waxing crescent moon. Again, the illuminated fraction is 3.5%, making it close to impossible to see - either by eye or telescope. The UK's official astronomers say that a crescent moon observation may be feasible again.
What is Eid?
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting (sawm) of Ramadan.
It begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon. If the moon is not observed after the 29th day of the previous lunar month, then the holiday is celebrated the following day.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country. Fasting is forbidden on the Day of Eid, and a specific prayer is nominated for this day.
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