Pakistan Awaits Official Moon Sighting for Eid al-Fitr 2025
Gulf Countries Declare Eid on March 30, Pakistan’s Decision Pending
As the Islamic world prepares for Eid al-Fitr 2025, several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, have officially declared Sunday, March 30, 2025, as the first day of Shawwal after sighting the crescent moon. In contrast, Pakistan is set to conduct its official Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting on Sunday, March 30, to confirm the beginning of Eid celebrations in the country.
Saudi Arabia and UAE Confirm Eid on March 30
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the moon-sighting committees of Saudi Arabia and the UAE announced that the Shawwal crescent had been sighted, marking the conclusion of Ramadan after 29 days of fasting. The Saudi Royal Court and UAE’s Moon-sighting Committee confirmed that March 30 would be observed as Eid al-Fitr, and official prayers will be held across mosques and prayer grounds.
With over 19,800 mosques and prayer areas in Saudi Arabia, Eid prayers will take place shortly after sunrise, and Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh has instructed all ministry branches to ensure smooth prayer arrangements.
Similarly, in the UAE, Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi chaired the moon-sighting committee and confirmed that Sharia-compliant methods and astronomical data had validated the new moon’s visibility.
Pakistan’s Eid Decision Hinges on Moon Sighting
In Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on Sunday, March 30, to observe the Shawwal crescent and announce the official Eid date. The Meteorological Department has indicated that the moon is expected to be visible, meaning Eid is likely to fall on Monday, March 31. However, the final confirmation will come after the nationwide moon-sighting sessions led by religious scholars and experts.
The Pakistani government has already declared three public holidays from March 31 to April 2 for Eid celebrations. Citizens eagerly await the official announcement, as past years have seen differences in moon sighting between provinces, occasionally leading to split Eid celebrations in different regions.
Global Eid Announcements and Celebrations
Besides Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar have also confirmed March 30 as Eid al-Fitr, aligning with the early moon sighting. Other countries, including Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia, are also expected to follow similar dates.
In contrast, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan traditionally observe Eid a day later due to geographical and astronomical differences, with their moon-sighting committees convening one day after the Gulf region.
Eid al-Fitr: A Time for Celebration and Reflection
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and devotion. The festival is celebrated with special prayers, family gatherings, feasts, and acts of charity. Muslims across the world start the day with the Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) and then engage in festivities, gift exchanges, and visiting relatives.
One of the key religious obligations before Eid is the payment of Zakat al-Fitr, a charity meant to help the less fortunate partake in the celebrations.
Final Word: Awaiting Pakistan’s Official Decision
While many Muslim-majority countries have already confirmed March 30 as Eid al-Fitr 2025, Pakistan’s final decision remains pending until the official moon sighting on March 30. If the crescent is sighted, Eid will be observed on March 31; otherwise, it may shift to April 1.
The anticipation remains high as millions of Pakistanis await the final verdict from the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, setting the stage for one of the most joyous festivals in the Islamic calendar.
Stay tuned for official announcements as Pakistan confirms the Eid date!
