Eid al-Fitr 2025: Anticipated Date and Celebrations

Eid al-Fitr is expected on March 30, reliant on the crescent moon sighting in Saudi Arabia. This festival marks the end of Ramadan and introduces Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. Eid customs vary, involving prayers, celebrations with family, and traditional greetings. The next significant holiday, Eid al-Adha, is anticipated between June 6 and June 7.

Eid al-Fitr is anticipated soon as Ramadan comes to an end, with about 2 billion Muslims awaiting confirmation from Saudi Arabia regarding the crescent moon sighting, expected towards the end of March. Eid al-Fitr will likely be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, according to the Saudi Arabia calendar, confirming the transition into the month of Shawwal, which starts with the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
The Islamic community relies heavily on trained moon spotters in Saudi Arabia to finalize the date of Eid, creating uncertainty for Muslims who may need to request time off work. Until the crescent moon is visually confirmed, this date remains tentative.
Currently, the moon is in a waning phase with 12% illumination, but the crucial waxing crescent moon is projected to appear on March 29 at 6:57 a.m., according to Time and Date.
Eid al-Fitr, meaning “festival of breaking the fast,” is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal. Muslims may observe this holiday for one to three days. As it follows the Islamic Hijri calendar based on a lunar cycle, dates shift yearly, occurring approximately 11 days earlier than the previous year.
To pronounce “Eid” correctly, it is similar to “feed” but without the “f”; in Arabic, it is pronounced as “‘ayid.” Eid al-Fitr is marked by festivities, with Muslims waking up early for food preparation and mandatory prayers at local masjids. Fasting on Eid is prohibited, aligning with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.
Common practices on Eid include taking a shower, dressing in fine attire, and offering praises to God. Eid customs vary worldwide but generally involve family gatherings, sharing food, and giving gifts, especially to children, termed “Eidi.” The traditional greeting exchanged is “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “blessed festival.”
Eid al-Adha, the second Eid of the Islamic calendar, is projected to occur between June 6 and June 7, marking further significant festivities in the Islamic community.

Eid al-Fitr is set to be celebrated on March 30, contingent upon the sighting of the crescent moon. The holiday marks the end of Ramadan and marks the start of Shawwal, continuing the Islamic lunar tradition that causes each year’s observance to shift by approximately 11 days. Eid festivities involve prayers, family gatherings, and specific cultural practices, emphasizing community and celebration after a month of fasting. Eid al-Adha follows shortly after, further enriching the Islamic calendar with communal joy and observance.

Original Source: www.dispatch.com