Global Observances of Eid ul Fitr as Muslims Celebrate Worldwide

Eid ul Fitr prayers were celebrated globally on Sunday, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The event signifies the end of Ramadan and is determined by the crescent moon sighting. Countries like Pakistan and India are observing Eid, while others have confirmed it will be celebrated on Monday, March 31, based on various sighting reports.

Eid ul Fitr prayers took place globally on Sunday as Muslims, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, commemorated the festival with great enthusiasm. Additionally, numerous countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkiye, Iran, Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine celebrated the occasion following the sighting of the Shawwal moon on Saturday.

Eid ul Fitr signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The festival’s timing is reliant on the sighting of the crescent moon, adhering to the lunar calendar employed by Muslims. In North America, followers of the Islamic calendar are also marking Eid today, while mosques that depend on moon sighting will await official announcements.

In Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene this evening to ascertain the moon sighting for Eid ul Fitr, potentially observed tomorrow. However, the Bohra community is already celebrating Eid with prayers in various cities, including Karachi’s Saddar and North Nazimabad. Additionally, Afghan refugees in Pakistan are participating in the festivities today.

Several nations have confirmed that Eid ul Fitr will be observed on Monday, March 31, 2025, as the Shawwal crescent moon was not visible Saturday evening. Authorities in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia based their declarations on astronomical data and local sightings. In Bangladesh, the National Moon Sighting Committee announced that the moon was not sighted, marking Sunday as the last day of Ramadan.

While Iraq will celebrate Eid on Monday, various groups held prayers on Sunday. Indonesia also proclaimed Monday to be the first day of Eid, citing the unobserved crescent. India expects to sight the moon on Sunday, hence celebrating Eid on Monday, while Malaysia’s International Astronomy Centre confirmed visibility, aligning Eid with March 31. Brunei corroborated this, and the Australian Fatwa Council also designated March 31 for the festival, noting the moon’s birth post-sunset on Saturday.

Eid ul Fitr has commenced worldwide, with major celebrations noted in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and various other nations reflecting the rich Islamic traditions. While many countries, including Pakistan and India, await moon sighting confirmations, others have already determined the Eid date based on the Shawwal crescent’s visibility. This festival underscores the unity and devotion of Muslims globally as they embark on this momentous occasion following Ramadan.

Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk