Thursday 20 / March / 2025
Muscat: Astronomical calculations suggest that observing the crescent moon on Saturday, 29th of March 2025, night may prove challenging. Hence, Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on Monday, 31 March, 2025 in the Sultanate of Oman, although the official confirmation hinges on the moon sighting.
The customary observation will proceed on the 29th of Ramadan, which is the 29th of March 2025, to ascertain the commencement of Shawwal. A formal statement will be issued following thorough verification.
The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MERA) has released detailed astronomical calculations and observation parameters for the Shawwal 1446 AH crescent moon, in anticipation of the official Eid Al Fitr announcement. According to the ministry's report, the central conjunction is scheduled for Saturday, the 29th of Ramadan 1446 AH, at 2:58 PM, with the surface conjunction occurring at 2:42 PM. In Muscat, sunset is calculated for 6:21 PM, followed by moonset at 6:26 PM, offering a visibility window of only five minutes. The crescent is anticipated to be approximately two degrees above the horizon, with an illumination intensity of 0.4%. Similar visibility conditions are projected for other regions in Oman, with slight variations. For example, in Salalah, the crescent is expected to set five minutes after sunset, with 0.5% illumination. The National Crescent Observation Committee will convene on the evening of Ramadan 29th to confirm the sighting, relying on both astronomical predictions and regional observations. The official announcement regarding the start of Shawwal will be released after a meticulous verification process.
