Eid al Fitr 2025: When is Saudi Arabia moon sighting for Muslims to celebrate Eid, start of Shawwal

In many parts of the world, dedicated teams of moon-sighters will scan the sky with telescopes and binoculars, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive crescent moon. The arrival of Eid al-Fitr in the month of Shawwal - the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, signals the completion of the fasting month.

Like Ramadan and other Muslim observances, the timing of Muslim months and holidays however, generally depends on the lunar cycle, especially the sighting of the Moon’s crescent following the new Moon.

Because the new Moon’s visibility depends on clear skies and several other factors, the exact date of Muslim holidays cannot be predicted with certainty or too far in advance. According to Timeanddate.com, the holiday may also fall on different dates according to a country’s longitude and time zone.

Depending on their country of origin, religious orientation, or cultural affiliation, some Muslims may, therefore, celebrate the holiday typically one day earlier than others.

When is Eid al-Fitr in the UK 2025

In the UK, Ramadan 2025 began on February 28 at sunset, as determined by the lunar calendar. The end of the fasting month is signalled by the sighting of the next crescent moon, which occurs between the 29th and 30th day of the holy month.

Scholars in Saudi Arabia are expected to search for the moon on the 29th of the month, which is Saturday (March 29). According to the scholars, Saudi Arabia will celebrate Eid on Sunday, March 30 upon the sighting of the crescent moon.

However, British astronomers working for the UK’s HM Nautical Almanack Office, a government organisation that provides statistics to the police, military services, diary manufacturers, and others, forecasted the possibility of sighting the moon based to the visibility of the crescent moon in the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco to forecast the exact day of Eid al-Fitr.

According to them, the new crescent moon will be visible in most places on the evening of Sunday (March 30) , therefore in some countries, Eid begins on Monday (March 31).

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is derived from an Arabic phrase that means "feast of breaking the fast". While it is not a common public holiday in the UK, it is for many Muslim nations. The festivities start with morning prayers, which are typically held at a mosque. Eid features a unique prayer that is meant to be recited in congregation.

Muslims typically congregate in parks for large-scale celebrations after the prayers. Some Muslims choose to fast for the six days that come after Eid. This is due to the Islamic notion that good conduct in Islam is rewarded 10 times, therefore fasting for six days during Shawwal and 30 days during Ramadan generates goodwill equivalent to a year.

Eid al-Adha, the second Eid celebration in the Islamic calendar, takes place later in the year. Literally meaning "feast of the sacrifice," it is regarded as the more sacred of the two Eids

It celebrates the account of Prophet Ibrahim, also known as Abraham in the Old Testament, sacrificing his son in accordance with God's mandate.

Depending on the country, the celebrations of Eid al-Adha can last anywhere between two and four days. The act of sacrifice (Qurbani) is carried out following the Eid prayers, which are performed in congregation at a mosque on the morning of Eid.

The act of sacrifice consists of slaughtering an animal as a sacrifice to mark this occasion in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice for God.

How do you wish a Happy Eid?

It is customary to say "Eid Mubarak" during both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations. "Eid Mubarak" means "blessed celebration" or "blessed feast" because the Arabic word "mubarak" translates as "blessed," and the word "Eid" implies feast, festival, or celebration.

However, it is typically understood to mean only "Happy Eid" wishes. While "Eid Mubarak" is more than sufficient, you can also say "Eid al-Fitr Mubarak" or "Eid al-Adha Mubarak" to distinguish between the two holidays.