As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, anticipation builds across the Arab world regarding the date of Eid al-Fitr for the year 1446 AH, which corresponds to 2025 AD. The official announcement regarding the first day of Eid will hinge on the sighting of the crescent moon, which has become a focal point of discussion and preparation in several countries.
In Egypt, the Dar Al-Iftaa is preparing to investigate the crescent of the month of Shawwal on Saturday evening, March 29, 2025, which is the 29th day of Ramadan. According to astronomical calculations, if Ramadan lasts for 29 days, Eid al-Fitr will fall on Sunday, March 30, 2025, unless the crescent sighting suggests otherwise. Should the crescent not be visible, Monday, March 31, 2025, will mark the first day of Eid.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia has called upon all Muslims to sight the crescent of Shawwal on the evening of March 29. The court's statement emphasized that anyone who observes the crescent, whether by the naked eye or with binoculars, should report their sighting to the nearest court. This call aligns with the court's previous decision declaring that Ramadan began on March 1, 2025, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar.
The Emirates has also set its preparations in motion. The Crescent Sighting Committee, under the UAE Fatwa Council, will convene in Abu Dhabi on the same evening to assess astronomical data and reports from national observatories regarding the crescent's visibility. This committee, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayh, will analyze the conditions for sighting the crescent and will announce the date of Eid based on their findings.
Discrepancies in astronomical predictions have emerged among experts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE regarding the visibility of the crescent. While some calculations suggest that Eid will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, others predict that it may fall on Monday, March 31, depending on whether the crescent is sighted.
Dr. Khaled Al-Zaaq, an astronomer, forecasts that Eid will be on Sunday, while fellow astronomer Adel Al-Saadoun believes it will be on Monday. The differing predictions stem from varying methods of determining the crescent's visibility, with some countries relying on strict astronomical criteria and others on religious sighting conditions.
In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court has expressed hopes that those capable of sighting the crescent will participate actively in this important religious observance. The court's announcement encourages cooperation and emphasizes the spiritual significance of this endeavor for the Muslim community.
As the weekend approaches, the atmosphere in Saudi Arabia is filled with excitement and preparation for Eid al-Fitr. Families are busy buying new clothes, preparing traditional sweets such as Maamoul and Kleija, and decorating their homes to celebrate the joyous occasion. The markets in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are bustling with increased activity as people prepare for the festivities.
However, the final date for Eid remains contingent on the official announcement from the relevant authorities, as the legal sighting of the crescent is the ultimate determinant for the commencement of the festivities. This highlights the importance of adhering to traditional practices that have been followed for centuries in determining the Islamic calendar.
In conclusion, while astronomical calculations suggest that Eid al-Fitr may fall on either Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, the official declaration will ultimately come from the Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia and other relevant authorities across the region. As such, Muslims are encouraged to stay tuned for local announcements to confirm the exact date of the holiday.
This year’s Eid al-Fitr celebrations promise to be a vibrant and joyous occasion, reflecting the spirit of community and togetherness that characterizes this significant time in the Islamic calendar.
