BREAKING NEWS: Shawwal Month maybe will Start on the evening of 29 Ramadan 1446 Saturday, 29 March 2025

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called on citizens and residents to look for Crescent of the month of Shawwal on the evening of 29 Ramadan 1446 corresponding to Saturday, 29 March 2025.

The date mentioned, 29 March 2025, aligns with Saturday evening, as Ramadan 1446 progresses.

Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds significant importance for Muslims worldwide, primarily because it follows Ramadan, the month of fasting. The key tradition associated with Shawwal is the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which begins on the first day of Shawwal. 

Significance: The start of Shawwal is determined by the sighting of the new moon (crescent) on the evening of the 29th day of Ramadan. If the crescent is sighted, Ramadan ends after 29 days, and Shawwal begins the next day. If not, Ramadan extends to 30 days, and Shawwal starts the day after.

Role of Authorities: In many Muslim-majority countries, like Saudi Arabia, religious or judicial authorities (e.g., the Supreme Court) call upon citizens to look for the crescent moon. This practice is rooted in the Islamic tradition of relying on physical moon sighting, as instructed by the Prophet Muhammad: "Fast when you see it [the crescent] and break your fast when you see it."

Community Involvement: People are encouraged to participate in this sighting, often gathering at designated locations or using telescopes, though official confirmation typically comes from religious bodies.

Eid al-Fitr:

Celebration: The first day of Shawwal marks Eid al-Fitr, a major Islamic holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan’s fasting. It’s a time of joy, gratitude, and community.

Rituals:

Eid Prayer: Muslims gather in the morning for a special congregational prayer, often in open spaces or mosques, wearing their finest clothes.

Zakat al-Fitr: Before the prayer, Muslims give a small obligatory charity (Zakat al-Fitr) to ensure the poor can also celebrate.

Feasting and Socializing: After a month of fasting, families and friends come together to share meals, sweets, and gifts. Common treats include dates, pastries, and regional delicacies.

Forgiveness: It’s a time to seek forgiveness, mend relationships, and strengthen bonds.

Fasting in Shawwal:

Six Days of Fasting: Beyond Eid, a notable tradition is the voluntary fasting of six days during Shawwal (not consecutive unless chosen). The Prophet Muhammad reportedly said, "Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime." 

This is based on the Islamic belief that good deeds are rewarded tenfold—fasting 30 days of Ramadan plus 6 days of Shawwal equates to 360 days, symbolizing a full year.

Flexibility: These six days can be observed any time during Shawwal, except on the first day (Eid), as fasting on Eid is prohibited.

Cultural Variations:

Traditions vary by region. In Saudi Arabia, the crescent sighting is a formal process tied to the Kingdom’s religious leadership, influencing the global Muslim community due to its role as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites. 

Elsewhere, some communities rely on astronomical calculations rather than physical sighting, leading to slight differences in dates.

The Supreme Court’s call on 29 March 2025, reflects this centuries-old practice of moon sighting to unify the community in marking the transition from Ramadan to Shawwal. It’s both a spiritual and communal event, blending faith with tradition.