As Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and France have announced their plans for the festivities in 2025. The first day of Eid, marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on Sunday, March 30, 2025, according to astronomical calculations.
In the UAE, the excitement for Eid al-Fitr is palpable, as families and communities gear up for this significant occasion. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has declared that the official holiday will span from 1 Shawwal to 3 Shawwal, with work resuming on 4 Shawwal. If Ramadan concludes with 30 days, March 30, 2025, will indeed be Eid al-Fitr.
Prayer times for Eid al-Fitr vary across the Emirates, reflecting local sunrise times. In Abu Dhabi, the prayer will be held at 6:22 AM, while in Dubai, it will take place at 6:20 AM. Other timings include Khorfakkan at 6:16 AM, Umm Al Quwain at 6:18 AM, Sharjah at 6:19 AM, Al Ain at 6:23 AM, Fujairah at 6:15 AM, Ras Al Khaimah at 6:17 AM, and Ajman at 6:19 AM. As the sun rises, mosques and prayer grounds will fill with worshippers eager to participate in this communal prayer.
The UAE employs a meticulous process for sighting the crescent moon, which begins at sunset on March 29, 2025. Specialized teams are dispatched to various locations for this observation, relying on eyewitness accounts. If the moon cannot be sighted, astronomical calculations are used to confirm the date of Eid. Following these observations, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments will issue an official statement declaring the first day of Eid.
In France, the announcement from the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) has confirmed that Eid al-Fitr will also be celebrated on March 30, 2025. This decision follows astronomical calculations indicating that Ramadan will conclude on March 29, 2025. The CFCM noted that the crescent moon could potentially be sighted that evening in much of North America, adhering to their established methods since 2013.
On the day of Eid, the Grand Mosque in Paris will host two prayer sessions, the first at 8:00 AM and the second at 8:45 AM. This will allow worshippers to come together in celebration and gratitude. The CFCM has also set the Zakat al-Fitr for this year at 7 euros per person, a practice that underscores the importance of charity during this festive time.
Zakat al-Fitr, a form of almsgiving, is calculated based on the average prices of essential food items in France. For 2025, the CFCM estimates that individuals can either donate 2.5 kg of rice, wheat, dates, or similar staples or the monetary equivalent of 7 euros. This amount can be increased based on one’s financial capability. The CFCM has allowed for the option of giving Zakat al-Fitr in cash, particularly beneficial in non-Islamic countries where cash may better serve the needs of the poor.
The time for distributing Zakat al-Fitr begins at sunset on the last day of Ramadan, and it is recommended to be given before the Eid prayer. However, it can also be provided one or two days prior to Eid, following the practices of some early Muslims.
As both the UAE and France prepare for Eid al-Fitr, the celebrations promise to be filled with joy, community spirit, and acts of charity. Various events, including entertainment shows, fireworks, and family activities, will be organized in the UAE, creating an atmosphere of happiness and camaraderie among residents and visitors alike.
In the UAE, the festive mood will be complemented by significant discounts in shopping centers, making it a perfect time for families to come together and celebrate. The air will be filled with excitement as people don new clothes, visit friends and family, and partake in traditional meals that symbolize the end of fasting.
In France, the Eid celebrations will reflect a similar spirit of unity and festivity, with the Muslim community coming together to observe their traditions and share in the joy of Eid. The prayers at the Grand Mosque will serve as a focal point for the community, reinforcing the bonds of faith and fellowship among Muslims in France.
As the date approaches, both communities are reminded of the significance of Eid al-Fitr as a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving. It serves as an opportunity to strengthen the ties of kinship and community, encouraging individuals to reach out to those in need.
With the official announcements made, Muslims in both the UAE and France are set to embrace the spirit of Eid al-Fitr on March 30, 2025, celebrating their faith and the joy of togetherness.
