As the holy month of Ramadan approaches its end, many in Egypt are eagerly anticipating the date of Eid al-Fitr 2025. With March 27 marking the 27th day of Ramadan, the excitement is palpable as the community looks forward to the traditional celebrations. According to astronomical calculations, Saturday, March 29, 2025, is expected to be the day when the crescent moon of Shawwal will be sighted, marking the beginning of Eid al-Fitr festivities.
The crescent is predicted to be born after sunset on March 29 at 1:00 PM Cairo time. On this day, the new moon will be visible in the sky of Mecca for just seven minutes after sunset, while in Cairo, it will remain visible for approximately eleven minutes. In other Egyptian governorates, the crescent's visibility is expected to range between nine and twelve minutes. This brief window for sighting the moon is crucial for determining the start of Eid al-Fitr, a significant holiday for Muslims around the world.
In conjunction with the astronomical predictions, the Egyptian government has announced the official holiday schedule for Eid al-Fitr 2025. For the private sector, the holiday will commence on Saturday, March 29, and last until Tuesday, April 1, 2025. This marks a change from previous years, where the holiday was only observed for the first two days of Shawwal. If the crescent is sighted, the holiday may extend until Wednesday, April 2.
For government employees, the holiday will also start on March 29 and is set to conclude on April 2. Moreover, educational institutions, including schools and Al-Azhar institutes, will observe a similar holiday schedule, with students enjoying time off from March 29 to April 4. Classes are expected to resume on Saturday, April 5, allowing students to return to their studies after the festive break.
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, the government is placing significant emphasis on social welfare, particularly for lower-income citizens. In the spirit of Ramadan, King Salman has announced a royal grant aimed at assisting those in need. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide support to various social groups, particularly those with limited financial means.
The royal grant, which has been a topic of much discussion, is designed to alleviate the financial burdens faced by eligible citizens. To qualify for this assistance, several conditions must be met: applicants must be Saudi nationals, residents of the Kingdom, and their monthly income should not exceed three thousand riyals. Additionally, they should not own any property or legal documents pertaining to ownership.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, has been tasked with identifying the most deserving individuals for this financial aid. Although no official date for the disbursement of the royal grant has been announced, it is anticipated to occur between the 15th and 25th of Ramadan, aligning with the spirit of giving during this holy month.
To facilitate access to information about the royal grant, the Ministry has launched an online platform where citizens can inquire about the details of the Ramadan grant. Individuals can easily access this platform by logging in with their national identity number and password. Once logged in, users can navigate to the inquiries section, select the royal grant for Ramadan 1446, and enter their ID number to receive the relevant information.
As the community prepares for Eid al-Fitr and the royal grant, there is a sense of unity and hope among the citizens of Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The anticipation of the crescent moon sighting and the joy of celebrating Eid al-Fitr with family and friends are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of these nations. The royal grant further complements the spirit of generosity and support that characterizes this time of year.
In summary, the upcoming Eid al-Fitr promises to be a time of celebration, reflection, and community support. With the expected sighting of the crescent moon on March 29 and the royal grant aimed at assisting those in need, both Egypt and Saudi Arabia are embracing the values of compassion and generosity that define this holy month. As families come together to celebrate, the joy of Eid will undoubtedly resonate throughout the region, reinforcing the bonds of community and shared faith.
