The International Astronomy Centre has confirmed that the crescent moon of Shawwal will be impossible to sight on Saturday, March 29, across the Arab and Islamic world.
This is due to the moon setting before the sun, with the conjunction occurring after sunset, making it unfeasible to observe the crescent using the naked eye, telescopes, or any other means.
As a result, countries that require actual moon sighting to mark the start of Shawwal are expected to complete 30 days of Ramadan, with Eid-ul-Fitr likely falling on Monday, March 31.
However, in regions where the conjunction occurs before sunset, allowing the moon to set after sunset, some nations may choose to observe Eid on Sunday, March 30, based on traditional moon-sighting methods.
A partial solar eclipse is also expected to occur on Saturday noon in parts of the western Arab world, including Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Astronomers consider this event as definitive proof that the crescent moon cannot be seen that evening. Authorities have warned against false reports of crescent sightings on that day, stressing that such claims would contradict established astronomical facts.
Earlier, Pakistan's Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) had also forecasted that the Shawwal moon would be visible on March 30, suggesting that Eid-ul-Fitr in Pakistan will likely fall on March 31, 2025. Given these astronomical calculations, most of the Islamic world is expected to celebrate Eid on the same day, March 31.