Anticipation builds for Eid Al Fitr as crescent moon sighting approaches

Wednesday 26 March 2025 - 15:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Anticipation builds for Eid Al Fitr as crescent moon sighting approaches

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, countries around the globe are gearing up for the sighting of the crescent moon, an event that will signal the start of Shawwal and the celebration of Eid Al Fitr. This year, predictions from Moroccan astronomers indicate that Morocco is likely to observe Eid Al Fitr on March 31, contingent on the visibility of the crescent moon on Sunday.

Throughout the Islamic world, religious committees and astronomers are closely monitoring the skies to confirm the appearance of the crescent moon. Nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, which began their Ramadan observance on March 1, are preparing to sight the moon on Saturday. If successful, these countries will mark Eid Al Fitr on Sunday, completing a full 30 days of fasting during Ramadan. Conversely, if the moon is not sighted, the celebrations will be postponed to Monday.

The Qatari Calendar House, an Islamic astronomical body, has also predicted that March 31 will be the first day of Eid Al Fitr, based on their calculations. As the anticipation grows, communities worldwide await this significant moment, which embodies the spirit of celebration and unity among Muslims after a month of reflection and fasting.