Moon Sighting or Astronomy? Muslims Disagree Once Again on Eid al-Fitr Date — Which View Is Correct?

Every year during Ramadan, familiar fiqh-related debates re-emerge — chief among them is the question of how to determine the beginning and end of the holy month. The controversy arises from differing methods used by Muslim-majority countries: some rely on naked-eye moon sightings, which is regarded by many scholars as the correct method, while others depend on astronomical calculations.

This difference often leads to noticeable discrepancies — with some nations announcing the start of Ramadan or Eid al-Fitr on one day, while neighbouring countries observe it a day earlier or later. As a result, Muslims across the globe may fast or celebrate Eid on different days.

Countries that adhere to traditional moon sighting methods continue to fast and break their fast based on what is visually confirmed, even when astronomers assert that such sightings are “scientifically impossible.”

Earlier this month, the International Astronomy Center released a report noting that most countries would attempt to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday, March 29, 2025, but that sighting the moon from the eastern part of the world would be impossible on that date.

The report added that no region in the Arab or Islamic world — whether using the naked eye, telescopes, or astrophotography techniques — would be able to observe the crescent moon on Saturday night.

However, moon sighting was deemed possible only via telescopes from parts of Central and Northern America, and even there, visibility would be extremely limited. The moon would not be visible to the naked eye except possibly from remote areas over the Pacific Ocean, west of the United States.

Despite Scientific Reports, Several Nations Declared Eid

Nevertheless, several countries — led by Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States — announced that the crescent moon was sighted on Saturday evening, making Sunday the first day of Shawwal and Eid al-Fitr.

The official announcement followed the sighting efforts of recognised committees in various regions. Media outlets confirmed the moon was sighted in Tamir, a common location for crescent observations in Saudi Arabia.

Other countries that confirmed Sunday as Eid al-Fitr include:

• • Qatar, after its moon sighting committee verified the crescent

• • United Arab Emirates, announced by the Presidential Court

• • Kuwait, Bahrain, and Yemen, via official religious bodies

• • Palestine, declared by the Grand Mufti

• • Sudan, by the Islamic Fiqh Academy

• • Turkey, based on astronomical calculations, which the country uses consistently to determine prayer and lunar dates

In contrast, several nations announced that Sunday would complete 30 days of Ramadan, with Eid al-Fitr to be observed on Monday:

• • Oman, where the official moon sighting committee confirmed the crescent was not seen

• • Jordan, Syria, and Iraq’s Sunni Endowment, declared Monday as Eid

• • Egypt, following the Grand Mufti’s announcement

• • Pakistan, also declared Monday as the first day of Eid due to failure to sight the crescent

Scholarly Insights: Can Moon Sighting and Astronomy Be Combined?

Dr. Sharaf Al-Qudah, Professor of Hadith at the Faculty of Sharia in the University of Jordan, commented that there is no objection to combining both visual sighting and astronomical calculations.

Regarding the differences between neighbouring countries, he stated:

“There is no valid reason for adjacent regions to differ in marking the beginning of the lunar months. As for distant regions, two fiqh opinions exist. The International Unified Hijri Calendar Conference adopted the ‘single-zone’ approach — treating the entire world as one unified moon-sighting zone.”

Controversial Discussions: Prayer Timings and Fajr Accuracy

On social media, debates have also resurfaced over the accuracy of prayer times, especially Fajr and Maghrib, with some users claiming that errors in timing could invalidate fasting.

Dr. Al-Qudah responded by saying:

“Prayer times have been highly precise for many years. Those casting doubt often observe the sky from cities flooded with electric light, where Fajr won’t be visible until 15–20 minutes after it actually rises. Even globally, sailors recognise that true dawn occurs when the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon.”

Regarding Maghrib, he added:

“As stated in the authentic hadith: ‘When the night comes from this side, and the day departs from that side, and the sun sets, the fasting person may break his fast’ (Reported in Bukhari and Muslim).

Thus, true Maghrib occurs when darkness appears in the eastern sky, not merely when the sun disappears behind a low horizon.”

Taraweeh: Prayed Alone or in Congregation?

While it is common for Muslims to perform Taraweeh prayers in congregation behind an imam, some believe they should be prayed individually, whether at home or in the mosque.

Dr. Al-Qudah clarified:

“The Prophet ﷺ did both — praying in congregation and alone — so a Muslim may choose what suits him best. However, for most people, congregational prayer is preferable as it encourages participation and community.

Taraweeh may consist of eight rak’ahs or more, provided it remains consistent and manageable for those attending.”