The French Muslim Theological Council (CTMF) has officially announced that Aïd el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan 2025, will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025. This announcement, made on March 25, lays the groundwork for one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar, which also heralds the beginning of the month of Chawwal.
The confirmation of the Aïd date was based on precise astronomical calculations. According to the CTMF, the new moon, which marks the beginning of Chawwal, will occur on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 10:58 AM GMT (11:58 AM Paris time). The Council confirmed that the lunar conjunction was the key indicator for determining the celebration date.
Following the lunar conjunction, it is anticipated that the sighting of the new crescent moon will be possible on Sunday, March 30, at 00:12 GMT (01:12 AM Paris time). This sighting is traditionally significant as it validates the start of the new month. The CTMF emphasized that they utilize the most current scientific data available to determine the dates for Islamic celebrations, thereby ensuring accuracy and reliability for the community.
In France, several Muslim authorities have echoed the CTMF's announcement, with the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) and the Muslims of France organization also confirming that March 30 will be the date of Aïd el-Fitr. This consensus among major Muslim organizations reflects the community's readiness to celebrate this joyous occasion.
Aïd el-Fitr not only signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, which is observed with fasting and prayer, but it also entails various forms of communal celebration, including prayer at mosques, shared meals, gift exchanges, and acts of charity. It is a time when Muslims express gratitude and joy after a month of devotion, while also emphasizing community and charity.
The practice of giving Zakat el-Fitr, a form of almsgiving required of every Muslim, is an important aspect of the celebrations. This year, the CFCM has set the amount for Zakat el-Fitr at 9 euros per person, though donations can range between 7 and 12 euros based on personal circumstances and needs of the beneficiaries. This act of charity is intended to help those in need within the community and is typically provided before the Aïd prayer.
"The amount fixed for Zakat el-Fitr should be reflecting one’s situation and the customary opinion of the legal authority one usually adheres to," stressed the CFCM in its guidelines. The Zakat can be given at any time from the beginning of Ramadan until the Aïd prayers, allowing flexibility in its distribution to those in need.
Moreover, the CTMF and groups like the Grand Mosque of Paris (GMP) are conducting ongoing discussions about the celebration. While the date of March 30 has been widely accepted, the GMP will finalize its confirmation during the traditional “Nuit du Doute” (Night of Doubt), occurring on the evening of March 29. This event allows for last-minute observations and confirmations that may affect the date of Aïd.
The importance of accurately determining the date of Aïd el-Fitr is not just a matter of community celebration but also holds spiritual significance for Muslims. As they await the evening of the new moon sighting, families across France are preparing for this festive occasion, intent on closing the month of Ramadan with joyful hearts and fulfilling their charitable obligations.
In summary, Aïd el-Fitr 2025 will commence on March 30, confirmed by both the CTMF and CFCM, and will mark a key moment of unity, gratitude, and observance for the French Muslim community. The meticulous calculations and established practices reflect a commitment to uphold traditions while embracing modern methods of timekeeping.
As the celebrations draw near, the entire community gears up for a day filled with joy, prayer, and shared blessings, bringing together friends and families to honor the spirit of giving and togetherness that Aïd el-Fitr embodies.
