Kenyans and the rest of the world are likely to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on March 31.
This is after astronomers drawn from Oman predicted that the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan is expected to be visible on Sunday, March 30, making March 31 the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
The head of the observatory at the Oman Astronomical Society shared insights into the lunar observations driving this prediction.
“On the 29th of Ramadan, equivalent to March 29, the sun will set at 6:21 pm, while the moon will set just five minutes later at 6:26 pm,” Al Busaidy explained. “The crescent moon will hover just two degrees above the horizon with an illumination of only 0.04 percent, making it nearly impossible to sight with the naked eye, even under optimal conditions.”
However, the celebrations of Eid Al Fitr may be celebrated between Monday, March 31, and April 1, depending on Chief Kadhi’s decision.
When Kenyans Are Likely to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr
Once the moon is sighted, the Chief Kadhi will announce the date for the Eid celebrations. This announcement will then be communicated to the Ministry of Interior, which will provide the official way forward, including declaring a public holiday for Eid.
Egyptian astronomers have also stated that Muslims are likely to celebrate Eid Al Fitr on March 31.
Also Read: Eid Al-Adha: What You Need to Know About the Muslim Sacrifice Holiday
Based on Egyptian astronomical calculations, the last day of Ramadan will fall on March 30, making the transition to Eid festive.
“Based on astronomical calculations, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, will be the expected day from the days of the month of Ramadan, and on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the first day of Eid al-Fitr will be,” Egyptian astronomy officials said.
Eid al-Fitr, one of the two main Muslim festivals, marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims observe a daily fast from sunrise to sunset. It is also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,”
Eid al-Fitr is a time for exceptional prayers, charitable giving, joyous dinners, and social gatherings.
About Eid al-Fitr
It is observed on the first day of Shawwal, which is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
Muslims all throughout the world celebrate this festival by offering a special prayer known as Salat al-Eid, which includes extra Takbirs (raising of the hands while chanting “Allāhu ʾAkbar,” which means “God is the greatest”) in addition to two rakats.
Additionally, Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation to people in need, is given during the festival.
Also Read: Eid-ul-Fitr: What to Know About the Muslim Holiday After Ramadan
Families and friends gather to eat together and share presents during this period.
Eid al-Fitr is announced based on the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the end of Ramadan.
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