When Is Eid al-Fitr 2025? Saudi Arabia Just Confirmed It

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Ramadan is drawing to a close, and Muslims around the world can now mark their calendars – Saudi Arabia has officially declared Sunday, March 30, 2025, as Eid al-Fitr.

The crescent moon of Shawwal was sighted early Saturday morning, signaling the end of Ramadan’s month-long spiritual journey.

When Is Eid al-Fitr 2025? It’s Officially Sunday, March 30

The anticipation ended when moon spotters in Saudi Arabia confirmed the sighting of the Shawwal crescent on the morning of Saturday, March 29. With this sighting, Muslims worldwide will celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2025 on Sunday, March 30.

Though Islamic festivals follow the Hijri lunar calendar, official Eid dates depend on visual moon sightings. Saudi Arabia’s confirmation is often the global benchmark for the beginning of Shawwal – the Islamic month following Ramadan.

Why the Date of Eid Changes Each Year

Unlike fixed Gregorian dates, Islamic months are based on the moon’s cycle, consisting of either 29 or 30 days. This causes Ramadan and Eid to move up roughly 10–11 days each year.

This calendar shift means that by 2030, Muslims will observe two Ramadans in one Gregorian year – an astronomical quirk made possible by the shorter lunar year.

What Is Eid al-Fitr and Why Is It Celebrated?

Eid al-Fitr – which means “festival of breaking the fast” – is one of the two major Islamic holidays. It marks the end of Ramadan’s dawn-to-dusk fasting and the beginning of a joyous period of community, celebration, and gratitude.

Also known as the “Festival of Sweets”, Eid al-Fitr brings families and friends together for morning prayers, gift-giving, shared meals, and charitable acts. For many, it’s the most heartwarming day of the year.

How Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Fitr

Celebrations begin with a special Eid prayer at mosques or open fields, followed by hugs, sweets, and heartfelt greetings like “Eid Mubarak” or “Eid Saeed.” Children often receive cash gifts known as Eidi, and families gather for elaborate meals after a month of daily fasting.

Among the key Sunnahs – the traditions of Prophet Muhammad observed on Eid – are:

• Taking a shower before Eid prayers
• Wearing one’s best clothes and perfume
• Reciting the Takbeer (praise of God) en route to the prayer ground
• Taking a different route home from the prayer

How to Pronounce and Greet People on Eid

Wondering how to say “Eid”? It’s pronounced like “eed,” rhyming with “feed.”

If you’d like to greet a Muslim friend, “Happy Eid!” is perfectly appropriate. You can also say “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid Saeed” (Happy Eid).

What Is Ramadan, the Month Leading to Eid?

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, observed by over 1.9 billion Muslims globally. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. It’s a period of deep reflection, increased worship, and spiritual growth.

Fasting – known as sawm – is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, believed to purify the soul and foster empathy for the less fortunate. Muslims spend the month studying the Qur’an, offering extra prayers, and performing acts of charity.

As Laura El Alam of WhyIslam.org puts it, “Ramadan is not a holiday of deprivation and difficulty… it becomes a time of community bonding, increased worship, and hope.”

What Happens Next?

With Eid al-Fitr declared for Sunday, March 30, preparations have begun across the Muslim world. Shops are filling with sweets, prayer grounds are being readied, and families are planning meals and gatherings. After a month of spiritual introspection, Eid is the moment to come together, celebrate blessings, and look ahead with renewed faith.

People Also Ask

• Is Eid al-Fitr 1 or 3 days?
  Officially, it’s one day, but celebrations often continue for up to three days in many cultures.
• Do Muslims work on Eid?
  Eid is a public holiday in many Muslim-majority countries. In others, Muslims may take the day off to celebrate with their families.
• Is Eid al-Fitr the same as Eid al-Adha?
  No. Eid al-Adha comes later in the year and commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
• Can non-Muslims participate in Eid celebrations?
  Absolutely! Many Muslim families warmly welcome friends of all faiths to join the festivities.

Final Word

With Saudi Arabia confirming the crescent moon sighting, Eid al-Fitr 2025 is now officially set for Sunday, March 30. It’s a moment of unity, celebration, and deep meaning for nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide – a time to rejoice in spiritual renewal and the bonds of community.

So go ahead and say it loud: “Eid Mubarak!”

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