When Will Saudi Arabia Celebrate? Check Moon Sighting Dates and More! News24 –

Eid-ul-Fitr 2025: As Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims all over the world look forward to Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival that celebrates the end of fasting.

As Ramadan enters its last week, Muslims around the world are excited for the celebration that marks the end of a month of fasting from dawn to dusk.

This year, Ramadan in India started on Sunday, March 2, after the new crescent moon was seen on Saturday, March 1. In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan began a day earlier, on March 1.

Since Ramadan began on March 2 in India, Eid-ul-Fitr will likely be celebrated on March 31 or April 1, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal.

The exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr is decided after the moon is sighted

• If the crescent moon is seen on March 30 after the Maghrib (evening) prayers, Eid will be on March 31.
• If the moon is not seen on March 30, Eid will be on April 1.

In Saudi Arabia, the same rules apply

• If the moon is seen on March 29, Eid will be on March 30.
• If the moon is not seen, Eid will be on March 31.

The Role of Moon Sighting in Determining Eid

The Islamic calendar is based on the moon cycle, so the start of each month is decided by the sighting of the crescent moon. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. Since lunar months are either 29 or 30 days long, the exact date of Eid changes every year depending on when the moon is seen by religious authorities.

Importance of Eid-Ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr, meaning “festival of breaking the fast,” celebrates the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, praying, and reflection. It is one of the five important acts in Islam and is a time for thankfulness, giving to charity, and spending time with family and friends.

About 70 days after Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, also called the “Feast of Sacrifice.” It marks the end of Hajj, the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca.