As the end of Ramadan approaches, excitement builds for Eid al-Fitr 2025, with the Egyptian Cabinet announcing a four-day holiday for government employees and the Ministry of Labor confirming the same for the private sector. The official holiday will commence on Saturday, March 29, 2025, and conclude on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. This announcement has generated significant interest as families prepare for the festive occasion.
The holiday for the government sector will officially begin on Saturday, March 29, coinciding with the last day of Ramadan, which is expected to be 29 days long. This means that the first day of Eid will likely fall on Sunday, March 30, 2025, although this will be confirmed after the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of March 29. If the crescent is sighted and Monday, March 31, is declared the first day of Eid, then the holiday will extend until Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
In addition to the government sector, the Ministry of Education and Technical Education has announced that students will enjoy a longer break. The Eid al-Fitr holiday for schools will run from Saturday, March 29, until Friday, April 5, 2025. Classes will resume on Saturday, April 6, 2025, after the holiday.
Dr. Taha Rabah, head of the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, has stated with confidence that Eid al-Fitr will be on Sunday, March 30, based on astronomical calculations. He emphasized, "Astronomically, the holiday is Sunday, and our calculations at the institute are not wrong. I am surprised that some say the first day of Eid will be Monday. How can the moon stay in the sky of Cairo for 11 minutes?" His assertions highlight the reliance on scientific methods to predict the lunar calendar.
However, the final determination of the Eid date rests with the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta, which will conduct its own moon sighting on the evening of March 29. This practice is in line with traditions observed across many Islamic countries, where the sighting of the moon marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid celebrations.
In many Arab countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, and others, Eid al-Fitr is anticipated to begin on March 31, as astronomical calculations suggest. However, some countries may declare Sunday, March 30, as the first day of Eid based solely on the moon sighting, which can lead to variations in the holiday schedule across the region.
As families prepare for Eid, many are seen shopping for new clothes, baking traditional sweets, and planning family gatherings. The festive spirit is palpable, with communities coming together to celebrate this significant occasion. The holiday is not only a time for joy and festivities but also an opportunity for charitable giving and community support, as many Muslims engage in acts of kindness during this special time.
In summary, the Eid al-Fitr holiday in Egypt is set to provide a much-needed break for government employees and students alike, allowing them to celebrate with family and friends. With the official announcement expected after the moon sighting, anticipation grows for the joyous occasion that marks the end of Ramadan.
