Saudi Arabia has announced that Eid-el-Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20, 2026, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday.
The moon sighting marks the conclusion of the 30 days of Ramadan fasting.
A Saudi-based online news platform, Haramain, confirmed the development on Wednesday.
It wrote on X: “The crescent moon has NOT been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, #EidAlFitr will be celebrated on Friday, 20th March 2026.
“May Allāh allow us to utilize the remaining moments of this blessed month to engage in that which pleases Him, may He accept our siyām, qiyām & a’māl and may He allow us to witness many more Ramadāns in good health.”
The most celebrated festival of the Muslim community in the world, Eid ul-Fitr, is finally here. After the holy Ramadan month of fasting from dawn until sunset, the festival is set to bring joy and prosperity to people’s lives.
Also Read: Shawwal crescent not sighted, fasting to continue on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia
As Wednesday, March 18, marks the 29th of Ramadan 1447, the Saudi Supreme Court has called on the community across the kingdom to sight the crescent moon on Shawwal this evening. However, in India, if the moon is sighted on March 19, the Eid celebrations will be on the next day or on the day that follows.
Typically, India observes Eid a day after Saudi Arabia due to geographical differences in moon visibility. Eid is known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” because it is observed on the day after the last day of Ramadan. In the Islamic lunar calendar, it falls on the first three days of Shawwal, the tenth month of Hijri.
Ramadan usually extends for 29 to 30 days, and the celebrations culminate with Eid festivities, corresponding to 1 Shawwal 1447 in the Islamic calendar. The moon sighting holds deep religious importance, as the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles and each new month begins only after the crescent is seen.
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