The holy month of Ramadan is all set to conclude with the sighting of the Shawwal crescent and the vibrant celebrations of one of the biggest festivals of Muslims all over the world - Eid-ul-Fitr. On the day of the festival, 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 practice of sighting of the moon that dates centuries back involves observing the sky with the naked eye or telescopes to look for the crescent moon. Once it's seen, and mosques announce it, preparation for the Eid on the next day begins. The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, causing significant dates to move forward by approximately 11 days annually. The conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid are determined by the sighting of the moon.
Muslims observe Ramadan by fasting every day from dawn to dusk, for almost a month. It is the time for spiritual reflection, charity, and prayers. 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.
Saudi Arabia has declared that Eid-ul-Fitr 1446 will be observed on Sunday, March, 30 2025, upon sighting of the crescent moon on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
This declaration will be followed by widespread celebrations and organisation of prayers across the country.
When is Eid in USA and Canada?
The date of Eid for the US and Canada depends on moon sightings or announcements made by Saudi Arabia. The UAE has seen the crescent moon on March 29, 2025, marking the 29th day of Ramadan. The country will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on March 30, 2025, aligning with Saudi Arabia.
Masjid Bilal (Muslim Society of Jersey Shore) in New Jersey has confirmed that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated there on March 30.
As per Astronomy Magazine, here are the moonsighting timings across major cities:
New York City, NY: March 30: Moonrise at approximately 7:16 am, moonset around 9:21 pm; March 31: Moonrise at about 7:47 am, moonset near 10:42 PM.
Toronto, ON: March 30: Moonrise at approximately 7:55 am, moonset around 3:58 pm; March 31: Moonrise at about 8:23 am, moonset near 5:23 pm.
Los Angeles, CA: March 30: Moonrise at approximately 6:49 am, moonset around 8:01 pm; March 31: Moonrise at about 7:16 am, moonset near 9:21 pm.
Vancouver, BC: March 30: Moonrise at approximately 6:49 am, moonset around 8:01 pm; March 31: Moonrise at about 7:16 am, moonset near 9:21 pm.
Eid, the Islamic holiday, that marks the end of Ramadan, is greeted with joy and excitement. Eid al-Fitr means the feast, or festival, of breaking the fast. This occasion is marked with congregational prayers and festivities that usually include family visits, gatherings, outings, and new clothes. Believers observe Eid with huge celebrations, including hosting elaborate feasts at home and welcoming family and loved ones. The Eid traditions vary across countries and regions. Arabian countries celebrate the day to its fullest, with huge feasts, and the lunch menu often includes their beloved dishes such as Kabsa, Mandi, and Sheer Khurma, among others. In Indonesia, people embark on an exodus to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday with loved ones in a homecoming tradition known locally as 'mudik'. Egyptians have the tradition of making Eid cookies, dusted with powdered sugar to amp up the festivities. In the United States, people come together for Eid prayers, and often plan fun activities for children such as face painting and balloon twisting, followed by traditional feats.
Wishes for Eid- Eid Mubarak from me and mine to you and yours!
- This Eid, let's begin a new life by forgiving and forgetting the past and praying for the future.
- Wishing you and your family an Eid filled with blessings and happiness.
- May this Eid bless your family with joy and togetherness.
- Eid Mubarak from us to you!