Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Eid al-Fitr will fall on Sunday, March 30, after the Shawwal crescent moon was sighted on Saturday evening. The announcement signals the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting observed by millions of Muslims globally. The Saudi Supreme Court had urged the kingdom’s Muslims to watch for the new moon, and the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) verified its appearance, setting the stage for celebrations in the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina to usher in Shawwal 1446 AH.
While Saudi Arabia gears up for Sunday festivities, other nations like Malaysia, Australia, Brunei, and Indonesia will celebrate Eid al-Fitr a day later, on Monday, March 31, due to the moon remaining unseen in their skies.
Known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” Eid al-Fitr is a cornerstone of Islamic tradition, uniting families and communities through prayer, feasting, and generosity. Muslims typically gather in mosques or open areas for special prayers, share warm greetings, and enjoy festive meals together.
The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar follows lunar cycles, with each month kicking off once the new moon is spotted. Shawwal, the tenth month, comes after Ramadan and symbolizes a time of spiritual reflection and thankfulness for Muslims around the world. As various countries finalize their moon-sighting reports, global Muslim communities are readying themselves for Eid celebrations tailored to their local observations
