The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has declared Sunday, 30 March, as Eid-ul-Fitr, following a moon sighting ceremony held at the Islamic Ministry on Saturday evening.
The moon sighting for Shawwal determines whether Ramadan concludes after 29 or 30 days. While the new moon had not been sighted in the Maldives, the Ministry has received official confirmation that the new moon for Shawwal has been sighted in several Islamic countries, marking the end of Ramadan. Therefore, 30 March will be marked as Eid-ul-Fitr and first of Shawwal 1446 H, according to the Ministry.
In addition to the Maldives, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday in various Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar.
In his address following the Eid declaration, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu extended Eid greetings to all Maldivian citizens, and urged them to embrace self-improvement and unity in the days ahead. He stated that Eid ul-Fitr follows a season of charity and generosity during the month of Ramadan, and that scholars regard Eid’s purpose as a time to express gratitude to Allah (SWT) for enabling believers to complete worship Ramadan. Fostering kindness, brotherhood and generosity through charity, gifts and sincere goodwill is also part of Eid, he stated.
The President said that a Muslim’s entire life should be built on goodness, and urged people to continue the spirit of Ramadan by maintaining good deeds and seeking forgiveness.
Noting that Eid is a new beginning, the President said that after a month of worship, one should enter new days ahead with renewed hope that sings have been forgiven and that Allah is pleased. He urged everyone to make a special resolution of Eid to reform oneself, just as they prayed for the same throughout Ramadan, and advised the people to keep all their actions within the noble limits of Islam in celebrating Eid and after.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding noble teachings of Islam, noting that initiatives such as lighting up of islands and echoing the sound of Takbeer across the Maldives were introduced for this purpose.
The President also encouraged to make a day of goodness, and make Eid a day that brings smiles to the faces of children. He also said that Eid should be a day of strengthening family ties and renewing the spirit of brotherhood, ensuring that youth, the elderly and the entire society takes part in the celebrations.
Expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza, the President urged Maldivians to remember and pray for Muslim brothers and sisters who continue to suffer. The President said that the cries of the dear children of Gaza should not be forgotten.
The President concluded his address by praying for victory and security for the Islamic Ummah and for the prosperity and well-being of the country in the coming year.