The Conseil Français du Culte Musulman (CFCM) has officially announced that Sunday, March 30, 2025, will mark the celebration of Aïd El-Fitr 1446H for the Muslim community in France. This date aligns with the astronomical observations that indicate the conjunction of the new moon, which signals the beginning of the month of Chawwal 1446H, will occur on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:58 AM Paris time.
According to the CFCM, the visibility of the crescent moon will be possible that evening, starting from 12:12 AM GMT, in a significant portion of North America. The organization expressed its warmest wishes for peace, happiness, and prosperity to Muslims in France and around the world.
Aïd El-Fitr, often referred to as the "festival of breaking the fast," is a joyous occasion that signifies the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. Families and friends gather to celebrate with communal prayers, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. Children, in particular, look forward to receiving treats and presents during this special time.
During the celebrations, Muslims are also reminded of the importance of almsgiving, specifically the Zakat al-Fitr, which is an obligatory charity to be paid at the end of Ramadan. This year, the CFCM has set the amount for Zakat al-Fitr between 9 and 12 euros per person. It is essential for this alms to be given to the less fortunate, reinforcing the values of solidarity and compassion that are central to the Islamic faith.
In a broader context, millions of Muslims around the globe will join in the celebrations of Aïd El-Fitr, which begins with a special prayer at mosques. The Grande Mosquée de Paris confirmed the date of the festival following the "Nuit du doute," a night dedicated to observing the crescent moon, which occurs on the 29th day of Ramadan. If the moon is sighted, the next day is designated as Aïd; if not, Ramadan extends by an additional day.
Saudi Arabia, a key nation in the Islamic world, has also confirmed that Sunday, March 30, 2025, will be the first day of Aïd El-Fitr. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Supreme Court made this determination based on the moon sighting.
In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have echoed this announcement, while countries like Iran, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan, and Oman have indicated that their observance of Aïd will begin on Monday, March 31, due to the inability to sight the moon.
The significance of Aïd El-Fitr is profound, as it not only marks the end of a month of fasting but also serves as a time for reflection and communal bonding. As Muslims gather in prayer and celebration, they also engage in acts of charity, ensuring that the less fortunate are included in the festivities.
The festival is sometimes referred to as Aïd as-Seghir, or "the small festival," to distinguish it from Aïd el-Kebir, or "the big festival," which commemorates the sacrifice of Ibrahim (Abraham) and occurs later in the Islamic calendar. Aïd el-Kebir is characterized by the ritual sacrifice of animals, a practice that raises significant discussions each year, particularly regarding the estimated 100,000 animals sacrificed in France alone during this period.
As the day approaches, the atmosphere is filled with anticipation. Families prepare special dishes, and communities come together to share in the joy of the occasion. The exchange of greetings, sweets, and gifts is a cherished tradition that reinforces the bonds of friendship and kinship.
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, underscored the importance of Aïd El-Fitr, stating, "The Aïd is an opportunity to promote solidarity and compassion." He extended his best wishes to Muslims worldwide, particularly those unable to celebrate with their families due to conflicts or displacement.
In France, where the Muslim population is estimated to be between five and six million, Aïd El-Fitr is a significant event that highlights the diversity of the nation. The Grande Mosquée de Paris plays a crucial role in organizing the celebrations and ensuring that the community observes the traditions of Islam.
As the festivities unfold, Muslims around the world will engage in prayers, share meals, and reflect on the values of charity and community that are central to their faith. Aïd El-Fitr is not just a celebration; it is a reaffirmation of the principles that unite the Muslim community across the globe.
Ultimately, Aïd El-Fitr is a time of joy, reflection, and unity, as millions of Muslims come together to celebrate the end of Ramadan and the beginning of a new month in the Islamic calendar. The communal prayers, festive meals, and acts of charity serve as a reminder of the core values of Islam, promoting peace, compassion, and solidarity among all.
