End of Ramadan in France: Towards an Eid on Friday, March 20 for all Muslims?

– bySaid · 1 min read
End of Ramadan in France: Towards an Eid on Friday, March 20 for all Muslims?

The representative bodies largely agree on the date of Friday, March 20 to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in France. However, the uncertainty linked to the traditional lunar observation leaves the risk of a new division within the community.

According to Saphirnews, the organization Musulmans de France supports this date based on "the scientific data related to lunar observation". The federation anticipates a similar announcement from the Grand Mosque of Paris during the Night of Doubt.

Astronomical forecasts indicate that the conjunction of the new moon will occur on Thursday, March 19. The body states that "the necessary conditions for the visibility of the crescent moon [...] will therefore be met on that day", logically setting the celebration for the following day.

This analysis is supported by the forecast map of the International Astronomical Center. The Muslim Theological Council of France and the French Council of the Muslim Faith had already anticipated the end of the fast for Thursday, implying a celebration on Friday.

However, the risk of a discordant announcement from the Grand Mosque of Paris for Thursday remains. At the beginning of the sacred month, its unexpected alignment with the decision of Saudi Arabia had deeply destabilized the supporters of visual observation.

Faced with these recurring confusions, several local leaders are calling for a "consultation process". This approach aims to "define a common position" to respect the Quranic teachings calling for unity during these major events.