“As such, it is hereby officially declared that the Celebration of Eid’l Fitr Hijrah will commence tomorrow, Monday, March 31, 2025.”
— NCMF Secretary Sabuddin N. Abdurahim.
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MANILA, March 30, 2025 (SDN) — Tomorrow, Monday, March 31, is Eid’l Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marking the conclusion of Islam’s holiest month, Ramadan, ninth in the Hijrah lunar calendar.
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) headed by Secretary Sabuddin N. Abdurahim and the Darul Ifta of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) led by Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf A. Guialani.
Abdurahim, a native of Tawi-Tawi, BARMM, announced Sunday shortly after 8 p.m. that the crescent moon of Shawwal, which follows Ramadan, “was sighted in Bauang, La Union, Philippines, as attested by PAGASA Weather Specialist Salvador G. Quirimil.”
“PAGASA” is the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which has been an ally of the NCMF in the annual moonsighting activities.
In the Muslim calendar, the first day of every month is determined by the appearance on the horizon of the crescent moon (hilal), which signals a new month.
Abdurahim’s Advisory for Eid’l Fitr 1446/2025 emphasized the NCMF’s coordination in the moonsighting with the BARMM Darul Iftah (BDI, House of Opinion), various Ulama groups, non-government groups and the PAGASA.
“As such, it is hereby officially declared that the Celebration of Eid’l Fitr Hijrah will commence tomorrow, Monday, March 31, 2025,” the NCMF’s CEO says.
Over in the Bangsamoro region, Sheikh Guialani made the announcement after the crescent moon was seen during simultaneous observations performed by Darul Ifta-designated moonsighting team of the BDI in many locations in the region.
In his announcement, the Islamic leader made emphasis on the significance of unity in observing the Islamic calendar as he encouraged the Muslim community to embrace the spiritual essence of Eid.
“By the authority vested in me, as the Bangsamoro Mufti, I, Abdulrauf Guialani, hereby announce that the crescent moon was sighted today. Therefore, Eid’l Fitr and first day of Shawwal will be tomorrow, Monday, March 31, 2025, In Shaa Allah.”
The Ulama Council of Zamboanga Peninsula (UCZP) also declared March 31 as the day of Eid’l Fitr, which Muslim countries celebrate for at least a week. Western Mindanao (Region IX) Grand Mufti Abdulbaqi Abubakar made the announcement.
Thus, three big Muslim-focused institutions agreed on the Monday as the official Eid’l Fitr Day in the Philippines.
The NCMF’s moon-sighting activities is spearheaded by the Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs (BMCA) under Director Atty. Benrajiv Kashim with the participation of the NCMF-National Capital Region headed by Regional Director Dr. Dimapuno A. Datu-Ramos, Jr.
Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, education chief the Bangsamoro region, the head of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), sent his well wishes to the Bangsamoro community and Muslims here and abroad.
He says in message the “Eid is a time of joy, gratitude, and renewal — an opportunity to strengthen our faith, promote unity, and extend kindness to those around us.”
Iqbal adds: “As we celebrate, let us reflect on the values of sacrifice, patience, and devotion that his occasion represents. May this day inspire us to continue working towards a peaceful, just and progressive Bangsamoro, where everyone thrives in harmony and mutual respect.”
Islam has only two major celebrations, Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) which comes at the culmination of the Hajj, the annual Pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Both the Eids are marked by early morning prayers in mosques and open spaces as parents tag along their children, many of the worshipers wearing new clothes.
In Metro Manila, among the many places for the Eid prayers include Rizal Park (the former Luneta Park) in Manila, Metro Manila, to be led by Secretary Abdurahim.
Eid’l Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the 30-day fasting period obligatory on adult Muslims, abstaining from food, drinks, cigarettes, sex, and evil thoughts for around 13 hours of daytime in the Philippines — from sunrise to sunset.
The Muslim holy month is a time when worship, charity and good deeds are intensified.
During the two Eids observance, joy and celebration are encouraged as Muslims reflect on the blessings they received from Allah (God in Arabic), reminding them to appreciate Allah’s gifts and think about the less fortunate.
Praying during the Eid gives worshipers the opportunity to thank Allah for His blessings of strength, privilege and opportunity to observe Ramadan. (/)