UAE astronomers are predicting Eid Al Fitr will fall on Friday, March 20, with Ramadan expected to complete its full 30 days. Official confirmation still depends on the moon-sighting committee's announcement.
Astronomers in the UAE have revealed the likely date for Eid Al Fitr, the Islamic festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. According to experts at the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, astronomical calculations indicate that Eid Al Fitr in the UAE is most likely to fall on March 20 this year.
The prediction is based on scientific observations and detailed calculations regarding the birth of the new moon that signals the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal, which begins immediately after Ramadan.
Table of contents [Show]
According to the Sharjah Astronomical Observatory, the new moon will reach the moment known as surface conjunction, which marks the beginning of the lunar cycle, at 4:24 am on Thursday in Sharjah. This is the moment when the moon aligns with the sun from the perspective of Earth and begins a new lunar phase.
However, even though the new moon is born at that time, it does not automatically mean it will be visible later that evening. Astronomers say that for the crescent moon to be seen, several conditions must be met, including the moon’s position in the sky, its distance from the sun, and how long it remains above the horizon after sunset.
Experts explained that on Wednesday evening, March 18, which corresponds to 29 Ramadan, the moon will actually set before the sun in the western sky. This makes it impossible to see the crescent moon that night from the UAE or nearby regions.
Because the crescent cannot be seen on that evening, Ramadan will most likely last 30 days, meaning the final day of the holy month will fall on Thursday, March 19. As a result, the next day Friday, March 20 is expected to be the first day of Shawwal and therefore the day when Muslims celebrate Eid Al Fitr.
Astronomers also explained that the crescent moon would be extremely difficult to detect in the region during the official moon-sighting evening. Even with telescopes, visibility conditions are expected to be very poor.
The observatory noted that although advanced astronomical imaging technology might be able to capture a faint view of the moon, the chances of seeing it using the naked eye or standard telescopes in the UAE are extremely low.
This is due to the moon’s very close position to the sun and its short time above the horizon after sunset.
While the moon is unlikely to be visible in the UAE, astronomers say that some countries located further west may have slightly better viewing conditions. Because of geographical differences, a few regions might be able to observe the crescent moon either with telescopes or with the naked eye.
If that happens, some Muslim countries could potentially celebrate Eid al-Fitr on a different day. However, most countries in the Gulf region are expected to follow similar astronomical conditions and observe the festival on the same date.
Islamic months follow the Hijri lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon. Each month begins when the new crescent moon is officially sighted.
Although astronomical calculations can predict when the moon will be born and where it may be visible, the final confirmation of Eid Al Fitr depends on official moon sighting announcements by religious authorities.
In the UAE, the moon-sighting committee gathers on the evening of the 29th day of Ramadan to observe the sky and confirm the beginning of Shawwal.
If the crescent moon is not visible, Ramadan completes 30 days and Eid is observed the following day.
Eid Al Fitr is one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset and focus on prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection.
The festival begins with special Eid prayers performed in mosques and open prayer grounds early in the morning. Families and friends gather to celebrate the occasion, exchange greetings, and share meals together.
Many people also give Zakat Al Fitr, a form of charity that ensures those in need can also participate in the celebrations.
Across the UAE, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated with community events, family gatherings, festive meals, and public activities. Shopping centres, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions usually host special promotions and celebrations during the holiday period.
Although astronomers have predicted that March 20 is the most likely date for Eid Al Fitr, authorities stress that the final announcement will only be made after the official moon sighting process.
Residents across the UAE and other Muslim countries will wait for confirmation from the moon-sighting committees before the exact date of the holiday is officially declared.
Until then, astronomical predictions provide a helpful indication of when the festival is likely to occur, allowing people to begin preparing for the celebration of Eid Al Fitr.
Source: Khaleej Times
