Indonesia to observe Eid al-Fitr one day late as crescent moon fails to appear
Photo shows a waning crescent moon in a dark sky, accessed on March 30, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Indonesia has officially announced that Eid al Fitr will be observed on Monday, March 31, 2025, after the Shawwal crescent moon (the 10th month of the Islamic calendar) was not sighted on the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2025. This confirms that the holy month of Ramadan will complete 30 days in Indonesia, with one additional day of fasting.
The sighting of the new or crescent moon is a cherished tradition in Islamic culture, marking the end of holy month of Ramadan and the start of month of Shawwal.
Despite many eagerly observing the skies on Saturday, the absence of the crescent moon resulted in an extended fasting day before the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr.
Ramadan has been a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and acts of charity.
As Eid approaches, homes are being prepared, traditional dishes are being cooked, and families are finalizing festive plans.
Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is one of the two main festivals in Islam, the other being Eid al-Adha. Millions of Muslims across the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr from Sunday, March 30, to April 1, marking the conclusion of Ramadan.
Muslims around the world welcome Eid
Some Muslim countries will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, on Sunday, while others will observe the festival on Monday.
Religious authorities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Bahrain announced that the new crescent of Shawwal was sighted on Saturday, and Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday. Authorities in Palestine, Sudan, and Yemen also made similar announcements. Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abd al-Latif Drian stated that Sunni Muslims in the country will celebrate the festival on Sunday as well.
Türkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) confirmed that Eid al-Fitr will begin on Sunday, following astronomical calculations adopted by the country’s religious authorities.
However, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Monday in Oman, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Algeria, and Tunisia, as the new moon could not be sighted. Iraq’s Sunni and Shia Muslims will also mark the festival on Monday.
The holiday is a time for Muslims to come together in large congregations for special prayers, reflecting on the month of fasting, spiritual growth, and gratitude.
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the festival of breaking the fast, is a celebration of unity, joy, and community.
