RIYADH: The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called on all Muslims throughout the country to sight the crescent of the month of Shawwal, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr.
The Supreme Court, in an announcement on Thursday, called on anyone who sees the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.
The announcement read: “The Supreme Court calls on all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening. The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sees it with the naked eye or through binoculars report to the nearest court and register their testimony, or contact the nearest centre for assistance in reaching the nearest court.”
The court hoped that those who are able to see the crescent will pay attention to this matter and join the committees formed in all regions for this purpose, seeking reward and recompense for their participation.
If the crescent moon of Shawwal is spotted on Saturday evening, Eid al-Fitr will fall on Sunday. If there is no sighting of the crescent moon, Ramadan will last for 30 days and Eid will fall on Monday.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the moon sighting committee will meet on Sunday (March 30) to see the crescent of the month of Shawwal.
A day earlier, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said the new moon of Shawwal will be formed on March 29 at 3:58 PM (Pakistan time). By sunset on March 30, the moon’s age will be approximately 27 hours, making it visible in Pakistan.
It is expected that Ramadan will be 29 days this year in Pakistan, and Eid-al-Fitr 2025 will be observed on March 31 in the country.
Regarding Saudi Arabia, SUPARCO has stated that the likelihood of moon sighting on March 29 is almost negligible. By sunset in Makkah, the moon’s age will be only five hours, making it difficult to sight.
