Egypt Daily News – Dr. Nazir Ayad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, announced that Sunday, March 30, 2025, will be the last day of the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1446. He added during the moon sighting for the month of Shawwal in 1446 AH to determine the date of Eid al-Fitr, that Monday, March 31, will be the first day of Shawwal, thus marking the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
He explained that the Dar Al-Ifta conducted the moon sighting for Shawwal after sunset on Saturday, and it was confirmed that the sighting of the Shawwal moon was not established according to Islamic law.
However, the National Institute for Astronomical Research reissued its statement declaring Sunday, March 30, as the first day of Shawwal and the first day of Eid al-Fitr, meaning that Saturday, March 29, is the last day of the holy month of Ramadan. However, the Dar Al-Ifta did not agree.
The tweet from the National Institute for Astronomical Research sparked a debate on X (formerly Twitter), where one follower questioned: “Is your esteemed center legally authorized to announce the moon sighting of the Islamic months to the public or on social media and media outlets, or is it more appropriate to send this statement to the esteemed Mufti of Egypt for review and consideration before issuing a religious ruling on the moon sighting?”
In response, the National Institute for Astronomical Research clarified: “The National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research is the official body responsible for astronomical observations and calculations of all lunar months. It sends accurate calculations to all relevant state authorities. There is also cooperation between the Institute and the Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta regarding the moon sighting for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.”
For its part, Dar Al-Ifta announced that Sunday, March 30, 2025, will be the last day of the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1446, and would officially announce the date of Eid al-Fitr and the last day of Ramadan after the Maghrib prayer.
It was announced today, Saturday, in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Yemen, and Bahrain, that tomorrow, Sunday, March 30, will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
