The holy month of Ramadan is all set to conclude as Muslims around the world will observe Eid al-Fitr, depending on the sighting of the moon on March 30 or March 31. Eid ul-Fitr is observed at the end of the month of Ramadan every year, signaling the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.
Ramadan, marked by fasting, prayers and acts of charity is a period of seeking forgiveness and taking time to reflect. The day begins with getting up before sunrise, morning prayers, and eating a pre-dawn meal called sehri while in the evening, the fast is concluded with an evening meal called Iftar which often comprises dates, fruits and other food items.
Eid al-Fitr this year will fall on Sunday, March 30 or Monday, March 31 depending on the sighting of the moon in different parts of the world. On the day of Eid, Muslims attend special prayers, visit family and friends, exchange gifts, donate to the less fortunate, and partake in festive get-togethers and special feasts.
The Islamic calendar operates on the lunar cycle which means all significant days in the Islamic calendar shift forward around 11 days each year. The sighting of the moon determines the end of the month-long period of Ramadan and the start of Eid.
When is Eid in US, UK, UAE, and other countries
Middle East countries
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, will look forward to the moon sighting on the evening of 29th day of Ramadan 1446 AH, which falls on March 29, 2025.
UAE
A three-day holiday from Shawwal 1 to 3 has been announced. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, another day off would be added.
Saudi Arabia
A four-day break from March 30 to April 2 has been declared in Saudi Arabia. The work will resume on April 3. Employees in the private sector can club their weekend and get a six-day holiday.
Kuwait
In Kuwait, people will get three days off if Eid falls on March 30 and an extended nine-day holiday if the festival is on March 31.
United States
The United States and other Western countries like UK, France and Germany, go by local moon sighting reports or announcements from Saudi Arabia. So the moonsighting date would be the same. The crescent moon of Shawwal sighting will be awaited after maghrib prayers.
How is Eid celebrated
On the morning of Eid, Muslims perform a ritual purification, known as ghusl, before heading to the mosque or prayer ground for the Eid prayer. People dress up in new clothes or the best available clothes as a sign of joy and gratitude. Before the Eid prayer, Muslims are required to give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity, to help those in need. This ensures that even the less fortunate can join in the celebration of Eid.
On Eid morning, it’s common to eat something light, such as dates, before heading to the prayer. This follows the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who is said to have broken his fast with dates before performing the Eid prayer. It is usually performed in large congregations at mosques or open fields. The prayer consists of two units (rak’ahs) and is followed by a sermon (khutbah).
After the Eid prayer, Muslims visit family and friends, and wish each other “Eid Mubarak” and indulge in festive meals. Children receive Eidi or gifts from their elders. A festive spread of biryani, kebabs, sheer khurma, and other delicacies are often served.
