The astronomical date for Eid al-Fitr: Ramadan is 30 days and Eid is on Friday
Muslims in Saudi Arabia and across the Islamic world are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Eid al-Fitr , the blessed month of fasting that marks the end of Ramadan. In this context, Professor Abdullah Al-Musnad, former Professor of Climatology at Qassim University and Vice President of the Saudi Weather and Climate Society, revealed important details regarding the end of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH. He confirmed that precise astronomical calculations indicate that Ramadan will complete its thirty days, making Friday, March 20th, the first day of Shawwal and the first day of Eid.
Details of astronomical calculations to determine the date of Eid al-Fitr
Dr. Al-Musnad explained that the Umm al-Qura calendar, which the Kingdom relies on for documenting dates, shows that Ramadan this year will be 30 days long. This alignment makes the date of Eid al-Fitr known with a high degree of certainty, given that the calendar is based on definitive astronomical calculations related to the movement of the moon and sun. He indicated that the usual day for sighting the new moon will be Wednesday evening, the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 18th. However, the astronomical conditions on that day will not allow for the sighting of the crescent moon under any circumstances, as the moon will set approximately 30 minutes before sunset in all regions of the Kingdom, making visual sighting completely impossible.
The astronomer added that the conjunction, scientifically known as the "new moon," will only occur at dawn on Thursday, the 30th of Ramadan (corresponding to March 19th), at 4:26 AM. Since this new moon occurs after sunset on the day of the sighting, it is astronomically confirmed that the crescent will not be visible that night, and therefore Ramadan will be completed as a 30-day month.
The history of crescent moon sighting: between the legal sighting and astronomy
Historically, determining the beginnings of the lunar months in the Islamic world was linked to direct visual sighting with the naked eye, in accordance with the noble Prophetic guidance. With significant scientific advancements, astronomy has emerged as a reliable and helpful tool for standardizing these dates. In Saudi Arabia, tradition is combined with modernity; the Supreme Court relies on the legitimate sighting of the new moon through committees distributed throughout the Kingdom, but it also considers precise astronomical data to reject any sighting testimony that contradicts established scientific facts, such as the moon setting before the sun.
The economic and social importance of knowing the date of Eid early
Early and precise announcement of the holiday date is of paramount importance, extending beyond the religious aspect to encompass positive impacts at both the local and regional levels. Socially, this early announcement allows families ample time to plan holidays, arrange family visits, and book travel, especially given the increased air traffic and the addition of extra flights to accommodate travelers during the holiday period. Economically, commercial sectors, particularly retail, restaurants, and the hospitality industry, rely heavily on these dates to organize their promotional campaigns and ensure the availability of goods and services that meet the anticipated demand during the festive season.
Dr. Al-Musnad concluded his explanations by emphasizing the established principle in the Kingdom, which is that the official confirmation of the beginning of the Hijri months, including the month of Shawwal, remains dependent on the legitimate sighting approved by the official authorities, with maximum benefit from the supporting astronomical data that prevents any confusion, and God Almighty knows best.
