Rabat – Egypt will officially celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, according to an announcement from Dar Al Ifta, the country’s religious authority responsible for confirming Islamic holiday dates.
The decision came after Egypt’s moon sighting committee convened today to observe the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
The committee confirmed sighting the crescent, which determined that Friday is the first day of Eid Al-Fitr.
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.
The holiday signals a return to daytime meals and offers a moment for families and communities to gather after weeks devoted to prayer, reflection, and charity.
Across Egypt, the day traditionally begins with Salat Al Eid, a special congregational prayer held shortly after sunrise in mosques and large open prayer grounds.
Thousands of worshippers attend the prayer each year, often arriving early to secure a place among the crowds.
Many Egyptians wear new or their finest clothes for the occasion and exchange greetings such as “Eid Mubarak.”
Families often spend the day visiting relatives, sharing meals, and preparing traditional sweets associated with the holiday.
Charity also plays a central role in the celebration. Before the Eid prayer, Muslims who have the means must give Zakat Al Fitr, a mandatory form of almsgiving intended to ensure that those in need can also take part in the festivities.
The holiday stands as one of the two major celebrations in Islam, alongside Eid Al Adha, and remains one of the most anticipated moments of the year for Muslim communities across Egypt.
