As the holy month of Ramadan approaches its end, various Muslim communities around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the conclusion of fasting. This year, Eid al-Fitr is anticipated to be observed on March 30, 2025, in several regions, including Canada and Egypt, while the United Kingdom expects to celebrate it the following day on March 31, 2025.
The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ (BDI) in the Philippines has officially announced that it will conduct a moonsighting activity on March 30 to declare the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr. In a statement issued on March 26, 2025, the BDI emphasized that this declaration aligns with Islamic tradition, known as ru’yah. Bangsamoro Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani encouraged the Muslim community to use the final night of Ramadan for prayer and gratitude, as they await the official announcement of Eid.
Ramadan 2025 commenced on March 2, following the BDI's moonsighting on February 28, when the crescent moon was not observed. This practice of moonsighting is crucial in Islam, determining the start of new lunar months, and is a tradition observed by Muslims globally.
In Canada, the Islamic Circle of North America-Canada (ICNA Canada) confirmed that the first day of Shawwal, which is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, will also be on March 30, 2025. Although Eid is not a national public holiday in Canada, many Muslim-owned businesses may adjust their operating hours, and some employers might grant their Muslim employees additional time off to celebrate with family and partake in prayers.
Celebrations on Eid include special congregational prayers at mosques, where families gather to mark the end of Ramadan. Following prayers, it is customary for families to share grand feasts featuring traditional foods, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts. A significant aspect of Eid is the practice of Zakat-al-Fitr, a charitable donation intended to assist those in need. During this joyous occasion, Muslims often greet each other with "Eid Mubarak," which translates to "have a blessed feast or festival."
In Ontario, Canada, several events are planned to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. One of the largest gatherings will take place at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto, featuring Nasheed artists, food vendors, cultural performances, and activities for children. Other notable events include the Embrace Islamic Society Eid Celebration at Playcious Vaughan and the Muslim-Filipino Association of Canada Eid Al-Fitr Celebration on April 5 at the Sunatul Jamaat of Ontario Canada.
Meanwhile, in the UK, the exact date of Eid al-Fitr has yet to be officially announced, with expectations leaning towards March 31, 2025. Muslims in the UK typically begin their Eid celebrations by waking early and gathering at local mosques or outdoor prayer grounds for special prayers. The festivities often involve wearing festive clothing and decorating homes with lights and ornaments. Traditional breakfast dishes vary widely among families, reflecting their cultural backgrounds. Popular dishes may include sheer khurma, a sweet pudding made with vermicelli, or laasida, a Moroccan pudding made with couscous.
In Egypt, the Ministry of Education has announced an extended school holiday for students and teachers to commemorate Eid al-Fitr. Schools will be closed for one week, from March 29 to April 4, 2025, with classes resuming on April 5. This decision follows a decree from Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, which grants a four-day paid public holiday from March 29 to April 1. The holiday may be extended to April 2, depending on the moon sighting.
Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) has indicated that Eid al-Fitr is expected to commence on March 30, 2025, aligning with other Arab nations. However, the final declaration will be made by the country’s Dar al-Ifta, the official Islamic body responsible for issuing fatwas based on moon sightings.
As communities across the globe prepare for Eid al-Fitr, the spirit of togetherness and gratitude permeates the air. Whether through grand feasts, charitable donations, or communal prayers, the festival serves as a time for reflection on the lessons learned during Ramadan and a celebration of faith and unity among Muslims.
