French Muslims Split on Date for Eid al-Fitr Celebration

March 30 or 31? Muslims in France remain divided on the date of this year’s Eid al-Fitr. For those who swear only by scientific calculations, such as the Muslim Theological Council of France (CTMF) or the Musulmans de France (MF) federation, the end of Ramadan is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, and Eid al-Fitr will be on Sunday, March 30. On the other hand, for those who advocate the observation of the crescent moon, Eid al-Fitr this year could be celebrated on Monday, March 31 in the majority of Arab countries. This is because the new crescent moon will not be visible from most continents, as indicated by a forecast map for Saturday, March 29, 2025 from the International Astronomical Center (IAC).

"The birth of the new moon will take place on March 29 at 10:58 (11:58, Paris time). On that day, the crescent moon will only be visible to the naked eye in a very limited area of the world, notably in the northwestern United States and Canada. In the eastern United States, visual observation will be impossible, and even with a telescope, it will remain very difficult," explains Dr. Smaïl Mostefaoui, a planetary scientist, to Saphirnews, adding that "in some Arab countries, there will always be someone claiming to have seen it, when it is impossible even with a telescope." The scientist specifies that "for those who base themselves on the observation of the new moon, Eid should fall on Monday, March 31. On the other hand, for those who use astronomical calculation, Eid will be on March 30. There may possibly be a divergence."

In the same vein, Mohamed Najah, an official of the CTMF, confirms that the new crescent moon will only be observable on March 29 in North America "at 00:12 GMT (01:12, Paris time)," and that consequently, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, in accordance with "the data from scientific calculations, even if some Muslim countries fail to observe the crescent." However, some Middle Eastern countries using "the latest generation of high-sensitivity LCD cameras" could see the new crescent moon "a few minutes after sunset," notes Najah, estimating that this method "could, inshallah, reduce, or even eliminate, the differences in interpretation in France between those who follow the calculation method and those who favor visual observation."