The date of Eid al-Fitr 1447 astronomically: Ramadan is 30 days and Eid is on Friday
Determining the date of Eid al-Fitr 1447 astronomically
Professor Abdullah Al-Musnad, former Professor of Climatology at Qassim University and Vice President of the Saudi Weather and Climate Society, confirmed that precise astronomical calculations clearly indicate that the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH will complete its full 30 days. Based on these calculations, the first day of Eid al-Fitr will fall on Friday, March 20th. This prediction clarifies the matter for many who are awaiting the date of Eid to arrange their holidays and family plans.
Umm al-Qura calendar and the impossibility of sighting the crescent moon
Dr. Al-Musnad explained that the Umm al-Qura calendar, which is the official reference for the Islamic calendar in Saudi Arabia, shows that Ramadan this year will be 30 days long. This alignment allows for a highly accurate prediction of the date of Eid, given that the calendar relies on precise astronomical calculations related to the movements of the moon and sun and their phases.
In detailing the astronomical conditions surrounding the sighting of the crescent moon, Al-Musnad explained that the usual sighting day would be Wednesday evening, the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 18th. However, scientific data confirms that the astronomical conditions on that day will not allow for the crescent to be seen in any way. This is because the moon will set approximately 30 minutes before sunset in all regions of the Kingdom, making the process of observing the crescent, whether with the naked eye or using the most advanced telescopes, completely impossible.
Moon conjunction and new crescent birth date
Furthermore, the astronomer added that the conjunction, scientifically known as the "new moon," will not occur until dawn on Thursday, the 30th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 19th, specifically at 4:26 AM. This means the conjunction will occur after sunset on the day of the crescent sighting, which astronomically confirms the impossibility of the crescent being visible that night. Based on these facts, Ramadan will complete its full 30 days, making Friday, March 20th, the first day of Shawwal and the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
The historical and legal context of sighting the crescent moon
Historically, since the dawn of Islam, Muslims have relied on direct visual sighting with the naked eye to determine the beginning of the lunar months, in accordance with the Prophet's teachings. With the significant scientific advancements of the modern era, astronomical calculations have become a crucial supporting tool for religious authorities. They do not negate the traditional sighting of the new moon; rather, they reinforce it and prevent the acceptance of erroneous testimonies that might contradict established scientific facts, such as claiming to have sighted the crescent moon when science proves that the moon has set before the sun.
The local and regional impact of knowing the date of Eid
Locally and regionally, determining the date of Eid al-Fitr is of paramount importance. In Saudi Arabia, public and private sector holidays, as well as school and university closures, are linked to this date. Knowing the date of Eid in advance also helps families prepare early, whether by purchasing Eid necessities, paying Zakat al-Fitr on time, or planning travel and tourism. Economically, markets experience a significant boom in the last days of Ramadan, and accurately determining the day of Eid helps both merchants and consumers organize their affairs.
Regionally and internationally, millions of Muslims around the world are looking to the announcement by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia regarding the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal, as many Islamic countries and Muslim minorities in the West follow the Kingdom in its fasting and breaking of the fast, given its religious status as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Al-Musnad concluded his remarks by emphasizing the sound methodology followed by the Kingdom, as the beginning of the Hijri months is proven in accordance with the approved Sharia sighting, with maximum benefit from the supporting astronomical and mathematical data to ensure accuracy, and God Almighty knows best.
