Eid 2025 Moon Sighting: Saudi Arabia, UAE spot Shawwal crescent; Muslims to mark Eid-ul-Fitr on Mar 30 2025

​Eid-ul-Fitr, the “festival of breaking the fast,” marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. In 2025, the date of Eid-ul-Fitr varied across countries due to differences in moon sighting.​ 

In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court announced that the crescent moon was sighted on Saturday, March 29, 2025, leading to the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr on Sunday, March 30, 2025. ​ 

Similarly, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) confirmed the sighting of the Shawwal crescent on March 29, with Eid celebrations commencing on March 30. ​

In India, the moon was sighted in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir and Lucknow on March 30, leading to the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday, March 31, 2025.  The determination of Eid’s date is based on the lunar Islamic calendar, where months begin with the sighting of the new moon. This practice can lead to variations in Eid dates across different countries. ​ 

The annual moon sighting process often leads to differences in Eid celebrations across regions. While some countries rely on astronomical calculations, others adhere strictly to physical sightings, contributing to the variations in Eid dates.

Saudi Arabia and UAE Confirm Shawwal Crescent on March 29

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced that the Shawwal crescent was sighted, confirming Eid-ul-Fitr for Sunday, March 30. The official moon sighting committee, consisting of Islamic scholars and astronomical experts, verified the visibility of the crescent in multiple locations.

Similarly, in the UAE, the moon sighting committee made an official declaration, aligning their Eid celebrations with Saudi Arabia. The announcement was met with widespread celebrations as families began preparing for festive gatherings, charity donations, and communal prayers.

Countries Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Declaration

Several other countries traditionally follow Saudi Arabia’s Eid announcement. These included:

• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Bahrain
• Oman
• Egypt
• Jordan
• Turkey
• Lebanon
• Indonesia

In these nations, Muslims attended early morning Eid prayers in mosques and open prayer grounds. The celebrations included exchanging greetings, sharing meals, and giving zakat (charity) to the less fortunate.

India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh Observe Eid on March 31

Despite Saudi Arabia’s confirmation, countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh rely on local moon sighting committees for an official announcement. On the evening of March 30, religious authorities in these nations confirmed the sighting of the Shawwal crescent, leading to Eid-ul-Fitr being observed on Monday, March 31.

The delay was primarily due to geographical factors affecting moon visibility in the South Asian region. Cities like Mumbai, Karachi, Dhaka, and Lahore saw thousands of Muslims gathering to confirm the sighting before making official announcements. This variation in dates has been a long-standing tradition, reflecting the diversity in moon sighting methodologies.

Global Reactions and Celebrations

As news of the moon sighting spread, Muslims across the world took to social media to share their excitement and Eid preparations. Hashtags like #EidMubarak2025 and #EidMoonSighting trended globally, with people exchanging greetings and showcasing their festive meals, outfits, and prayers.

In Saudi Arabia, massive congregations were seen in Mecca and Medina, where thousands attended the special Eid prayers. In the UAE, landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque were adorned with lights and decorations as worshippers gathered for prayers.

Meanwhile, in South Asia, families began preparing traditional dishes such as biryani, sheer khurma, and samosas, anticipating the arrival of Eid. Major markets and shopping districts were packed as people made last-minute purchases for the celebrations.

Scientific and Astronomical Perspectives on Moon Sighting

The process of moon sighting has always been a topic of debate within the Muslim community. While traditionalists advocate for physical sightings, modern scholars and astronomers argue for the adoption of scientific calculations.

In 2025, astronomical predictions had already indicated that the moon would be visible on March 29 in the Middle East but not in South Asia. This prediction aligned with the eventual announcements made by the respective countries. The growing reliance on astronomical data has led some Islamic scholars to call for a unified global Eid date based on calculations, though the idea remains controversial.

Eid-ul-Fitr Traditions Across the World

Eid is celebrated with various cultural traditions, reflecting the diversity of the Muslim world:

• Middle East: Large feasts, family gatherings, and grand public prayers.
• South Asia: Visiting relatives, wearing new clothes, and distributing sweets.
• Southeast Asia: Homecoming journeys (e.g., “mudik” in Indonesia), traditional food, and special market fairs.
• Western Countries: Community gatherings, interfaith celebrations, and Eid carnivals.

Governments in several countries declared public holidays to allow citizens to celebrate the occasion with their families. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, public holidays extended for up to three days, while countries like India and Pakistan granted a one-day national holiday.

Conclusion

Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 once again highlighted the diversity in moon sighting practices worldwide. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE marked the festival on March 30, countries like India and Pakistan followed their local lunar calendar, celebrating on March 31. Regardless of the date, the essence of Eid remains universal—a time of joy, gratitude, and unity among Muslims across the globe.

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