Egypt declares Monday as first day of Eid Al-Fitr after crescent moon sighting failure

CAIRO – 29 March 2025: The Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta has officially announced that Monday, March 31, will be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr in Egypt, following the unsuccessful sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.

According to the announcement, Sunday will mark the final day of Ramadan, with jubilant Eid al-Fitr celebrations scheduled to commence on Monday, lasting for three festive days.

Egyptians will perform the Eid prayer on Monday, 15-20 minutes after sunrise, around 6:10 AM, welcoming the joyous occasion with prayers and festivities.

Several Arab and Muslim nations have declared Sunday as the first day of Eid al-Fitr, including the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Yemen.

Meanwhile, Oman, Jordan and Syria, like Egypt, have confirmed Monday as the first day of Eid after failure to observe the Shawwal crescent.

As per the Islamic Sharia, sighting of the Shawwal crescent is essential for each Arab country to announce the start of the Hijri month of Ramadan.

Muslims in Egypt will fast for another day of Ramadan tomorrow before preparing for Eid, with children excitedly donning new Eid clothes and families enjoying the traditional festive treat, Kahk, on Monday.

Public and private sector employees nationwide are enjoying a paid holiday extending from Saturday to Wednesday, as per Cabinet's decrees.