The International Astronomical Centre (IAC) has forecasted that the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon is likely to be sighted on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. This sighting will mark the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, which determines the dates for Eid Al Adha 2025.
If the prediction holds, Wednesday, May 28 will be the first day of Dhul Hijjah, placing Eid Al Adha on Friday, June 6 in most Islamic countries.
According to Engineer Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, Director of the IAC, the crescent moon will be visible with telescopes in Central and Western Asia, most parts of Africa, and Europe. In some areas of the Americas, the crescent may be visible to the naked eye.
Based on this timeline, Arafat Day—the day before Eid—would fall on Thursday, June 5.
On a related note, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, also supports this forecast. Using astronomical data, he predicts that Dhul Hijjah 1 will fall on May 28, citing moon visibility conditions in Abu Dhabi and Makkah.
In Abu Dhabi, the moon is expected to set 38 minutes after sunset, aged 13 hours and 29 minutes, and located 7.7 degrees from the sun—making it visible only with a telescope. Makkah will experience similar conditions, with the moon setting 39 minutes after sunset at 14 hours and 17 minutes old, and 8.1 degrees from the sun.
The IAC emphasized that while the moon’s age and duration are key indicators, they are not solely enough to confirm visibility. Other factors, such as angular distance from the sun and elevation above the horizon, also play a critical role.
Muslim-majority countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are now preparing for official moon sightings that will confirm the final dates.
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