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Muslims across the globe are celebrating Eid ul Fitr today (Sunday), with major congregational prayers held in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries, marking the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan. Eid ul Fitr, the festival that follows the month-long fast, is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar.
Countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine are also celebrating Eid ul Fitr on Sunday, after the Shawwal moon was sighted on Saturday evening. This marks the end of Ramadan for these nations, with large-scale prayers and festivities taking place throughout cities and towns.
Variations in Moon Sighting and Celebrations
The observance of Eid ul Fitr, however, varies across regions depending on moon sighting. In countries such as the United States and Canada, many Muslim communities are also celebrating Eid today, with some mosques waiting for the moon sighting confirmation to finalize the observance date. Similarly, Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on Sunday evening to determine the sighting of the moon and potentially announce Eid for Monday (March 31, 2025). In the meantime, members of the Bohra community in Pakistan have already started celebrating, with congregational prayers held in Karachi’s Saddar, Soldier Bazaar, Baloch Colony, North Nazimabad, and several other areas.
In Pakistan’s Bajaur district, Eid prayers were held under strict security measures. Afghan refugees in Pakistan have also joined in the celebrations, marking the occasion with prayers and festivities alongside local communities.
Countries Observing Eid on Monday
Several countries have officially announced that Eid ul Fitr will fall on Monday, March 31, 2025, due to the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening. These countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia, have confirmed the date through local moon sighting efforts and astronomical data.
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In Bangladesh, the National Moon Sighting Committee confirmed that the crescent moon was not observed, making Sunday the 30th day of Ramadan. Similarly, Indonesia declared Monday as Eid after confirming that the moon was not visible. India, which observes Ramadan according to local moon sightings, also expects the moon to be visible on Sunday, thereby celebrating Eid on Monday.
Confirmation from Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia
The International Astronomy Centre (IAC) in Malaysia confirmed that the Shawwal crescent moon would be visible on Sunday, meaning Eid ul Fitr will be observed on Monday, March 31. Brunei followed the same pattern, with the IAC confirming the moon’s visibility on Sunday, leading to the decision to celebrate Eid on Monday.
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In Australia, the Fatwa Council declared that Eid ul Fitr will fall on March 31, as the Shawwal moon will be born after sunset on Saturday, March 29, in both the eastern and western parts of the country.
A Global Celebration with Regional Variations
Eid ul Fitr, despite its varied observances due to moon sightings, remains a global celebration for Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. As Muslims come together in prayer and festivity, they also reflect on the significance of Ramadan, the spiritual growth it brings, and the joy of breaking the fast with loved ones. The variations in moon sightings only underscore the diverse ways in which the Islamic world celebrates this important occasion, further emphasizing the deep sense of unity and shared religious experience among Muslims globally.
As the celebrations unfold in different regions, Muslims across the world share in the joy and blessings of Eid, with prayers, feasts, and a renewed sense of gratitude for the month of Ramadan that has come to an end.
