After moon sighting announcements started around the world, London mosques have announced when they will be celebrating Eid

Two of London’s largest mosques have declared when Eid is to be (Image: Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images)

As Eid preparations enter their final days, many countries have announced when they plan to celebrate. The first day of Eid ul Fitr signals the end of Ramadan for Muslims around the world.

The start date of Eid depends on the sighting of the new moon. Officials decide the date after observing the moon of Eid or Shawwal, a custom that takes place on the 29th day of Ramadan each year. Usually, Saudi Arabia is the first country in the world to sight the new moon, which signals the end of Ramadan, and Eid is held the following day.

However, the question of whether Eid will be tomorrow depends on the day you’re asking, the country you live in, and whose announcements you follow.

Muslims in London are set to celebrate Eid on Friday, March 20(Image: Getty)

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states were looking for the moon on Wednesday, March 18. Because they were unable to sight it, their Ramadan has gone into the 30th day, meaning Eid will be on Friday, March 20.

London’s oldest mosque, East London Mosque in Whitechapel, as well as the London Central Mosque, have followed suit, announcing that Eid will be on Friday, March 20.

It was suggested that Eid in the UK would be celebrated on Saturday due to the low chances of visibility. In previous years, the UK has followed Morocco, which uses its own national moon-sighting system.

The UK’s New Crescent Society, which has asked people to look for the moon at dedicated sighting locations across the country, including one in Birmingham, said: “According to the astronomical data, it is possible to see this moon, but it is extremely challenging. If we do manage to see the moon, it would be a record sighting in terms of challenging moons for us in the UK.

“Locate it first using an optical aid (binoculars or a telescope). Then look in that location with your naked eye. In other words, this is not a moon you would normally casually see with the naked eye alone. Weather reports currently are extremely promising – it’s exciting to see what will happen.”

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