As the holy month of Ramadan approaches its end, citizens in Egypt and Saudi Arabia are increasingly inquiring about the date of Eid al-Fitr 2025. This year, the anticipation is particularly heightened, with five countries—Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh—confirming that Eid will be celebrated on Monday, March 31, 2025, should the crescent moon be sighted accordingly.
In Saudi Arabia, the Royal Court has announced that Saturday, March 29, 2025, will mark the last day of Ramadan, with Sunday, March 30, being declared the first day of Shawwal, based on astronomical calculations. The announcement aligns with the traditions followed in the Kingdom, where the sighting of the moon is a significant event leading up to Eid.
Dr. Taha Rabah, head of the National Research Institute of Astronomy, has indicated that the crescent moon will be visible in Cairo for approximately 11 minutes after sunset on the sighting day, while in other Egyptian governorates, it will remain visible for periods ranging from 9 to 12 minutes. Rabah emphasized that advancements in technology have led to a zero error margin in astronomical calculations, ensuring their accuracy.
Despite the reliance on astronomical predictions, Rabah noted that these calculations must be validated by the Mufti, who announces the Sharia vision based on jurisprudential foundations. This dual verification process underscores the importance of both scientific and religious considerations in determining the date of Eid.
On the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2025, the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta will conduct its moon sighting after the Maghrib prayer. The results will be broadcast live on their official Facebook page, allowing citizens to receive timely updates regarding the official announcement of Eid al-Fitr.
In a recent statement, Dr. Nazir Ayad, the Mufti of the Republic, confirmed that if the crescent moon is not sighted, Sunday will be the last day of Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr will then be celebrated on Monday, March 31. This announcement highlights the uncertainty that often accompanies the lunar calendar, as the sighting of the moon can vary based on geographical location.
In preparation for Eid, the Egyptian government has announced that the holiday will be officially recognized from Saturday, March 29, through Tuesday, April 1, 2025, for public sector employees. If the moon sighting confirms Eid on March 30, the holiday will extend to Wednesday, April 2, 2025. This adjustment reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that workers have adequate time to celebrate this significant occasion.
In the private sector, the holiday will also span four days, beginning on Saturday, March 29, and continuing until Tuesday, April 1. This extended break allows families to engage in traditional preparations for Eid, which often include purchasing new clothing and preparing special pastries and sweets.
Schools across Egypt will also observe a holiday during this period. The Minister of Education has announced that students will have a week off from Saturday, March 29, through Friday, April 4, 2025, resuming classes on Saturday, April 5. This extended break provides students and their families the opportunity to celebrate Eid together.
In addition to the celebrations, the Eid prayer will be held on the morning of March 30, 2025, following the traditional practices. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs, with specific takbirs (praises to God) marking the beginning of each rak'ah. After the prayer, an imam will deliver a sermon, which emphasizes piety, compassion, and community unity.
As families prepare for the joyous occasion, the spirit of Eid al-Fitr is reflected in the communal activities and rituals that bring people together. From the festive meals to the exchange of greetings, the holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of charity, gratitude, and family bonds.
In conclusion, as the date for Eid al-Fitr approaches, both Egypt and Saudi Arabia are poised to celebrate this cherished holiday with a blend of tradition and modernity. The convergence of astronomical predictions and religious observances ensures that the significance of Eid is honored, while allowing for the joyous celebrations that define this special time of year.
