As the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr approaches in 2025, citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia are keenly awaiting the details surrounding the official holidays for banks and other sectors. The Saudi Central Bank, known as "SAMA," has announced the specifics regarding the holiday schedule, which includes closures for both the governmental and private sectors, as well as the stock exchange.
According to SAMA, bank holidays will commence on Sunday, March 30, 2025, corresponding to 1 Shawwal 1446 AH, and will last until Wednesday, April 2, 2025, which aligns with 4 Shawwal 1446 AH. However, it is important to note that some branches and remittance centers will remain operational during the holiday in designated areas to cater to urgent customer needs. Normal banking operations will resume on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
For the governmental sector, the holiday will begin at the end of the working day on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, which corresponds to 25 Ramadan 1446 AH. This holiday period will extend until Sunday, April 6, 2025, aligning with 8 Shawwal 1446 AH, with employees expected to return to work on Monday, April 7, 2025. This extended break is notably the longest among sectors, allowing employees ample time to celebrate and enjoy family gatherings.
The Ministry of Human Resources has also announced the holiday schedule for the private and non-profit sectors, which will span four days. This holiday will start at the end of the working day on Saturday, March 29, 2025, corresponding to 29 Ramadan 1446 AH, and will conclude on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, also aligning with 4 Shawwal 1446 AH, with work resuming on Thursday, April 3.
In addition to these announcements, the Saudi stock market will halt trading at the end of the day on Thursday, March 27, 2025, corresponding to 27 Ramadan 1446 AH, and will resume trading on Thursday, April 3, 2025, which corresponds to 5 Shawwal 1446 AH. These details emphasize the importance of planning ahead during the holiday to make the most of these special times for celebration and relaxation.
On a related note, Muslims around the world eagerly anticipate the date of Eid al-Fitr, which is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the month of Shawwal. The International Astronomy Center has announced that the crescent for Shawwal in the year 1446 AH will not be visible in the skies of Saudi Arabia on the evening designated for sighting. This astronomical assessment suggests that the date of Eid may be confirmed based on these calculations.
According to precise astronomical calculations provided by the International Astronomy Center, the moon will set before the sun in most regions of the Kingdom on the day of sighting, making it impossible to observe it with the naked eye or through telescopes. Consequently, this indicates that the day following the sighting will complete the month of Ramadan, meaning that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated the day after.
The process of determining the start of the lunar month relies on two methods: visual sighting with the naked eye or telescopes and astronomical calculations, which can confirm the possibility or impossibility of sighting the crescent based on its position relative to the sun and horizon. This year, the astronomical calculations have confirmed that the crescent will not be visible on the day of sighting, providing a clear direction for the Eid celebration.
While astronomical calculations offer significant accuracy in determining the birth of the crescent moon, many Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, traditionally rely on visual sighting as the basis for announcing the start of a new month. However, there has been a growing trend in recent years toward utilizing astronomical estimates to support the decisions made by Sharia committees.
In conclusion, with the International Astronomy Center confirming the non-appearance of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia this year, the date for Eid al-Fitr appears to be set astronomically. However, the official announcement remains under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in the Kingdom. All indications suggest that Ramadan will be completed in 30 days, leading to Eid being celebrated the following day. As the holiday draws near, many are left to reflect on the significance of this time and the joy it brings. Happy Eid al-Fitr to all!
