ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has officially announced that the crescent moon of Shawwal was not sighted anywhere in the Kingdom on Wednesday evening, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447 AH.
This development confirms that the holy month of Ramadan will complete its full 30 days, with Thursday, March 19, serving as the final day of fasting.
Consequently, Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, across Saudi Arabia.
The Supreme Court deployed committees at 12 different observation points throughout the Kingdom to search for the Shawwal crescent.
Despite concerted efforts by these specialised teams, no credible testimony or evidence of the moon’s visibility was received.
Prior to the sighting attempt, the Supreme Court had issued a formal appeal in line with Islamic tradition, urging all Muslims in the Kingdom to actively look for the crescent moon.
The call encouraged observations using the naked eye or binoculars, with instructions for anyone spotting the moon to immediately report to the nearest court for official recording of testimony.
This procedure underscores Saudi Arabia’s adherence to the Sunnah-based method of moon sighting for determining Islamic months.
Ramadan 1447 AH commenced in Saudi Arabia and most Arab countries on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, following the successful sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of the month.
The absence of Shawwal moon visibility aligns with some astronomical predictions that highlighted challenges in sighting due to the moon’s position and potential atmospheric conditions.
Similar announcements have emerged from other Gulf countries, where moon sighting committees followed comparable protocols.
The United Arab Emirates confirmed that the Shawwal crescent was not observed, leading to Eid al-Fitr on Friday, March 20.
Qatar’s authorities also declared the same, noting the unsuccessful sighting and completion of 30 days of Ramadan.
Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and other Gulf states have issued parallel confirmations, establishing Friday, March 20, as the unified start of Eid al-Fitr in the region.
This coordination reflects the traditional reliance on Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting decisions, which often influence dates in many Muslim-majority countries due to the Kingdom’s religious significance and structured observation system.
Eid al-Fitr holds profound importance as a day of joy, gratitude, and communal celebration after a month of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection.
Muslims worldwide will engage in special prayers, exchange greetings, visit family, and share meals, often beginning with the Eid congregational prayer at mosques.
In the Gulf region, public and private sectors typically declare holidays spanning several days to allow for festivities and travel.
The announcement brings clarity to millions awaiting confirmation, enabling preparations for family gatherings, charitable distributions of Zakat al-Fitr, and festive activities.
While some regions, particularly in South Asia, may observe Eid a day later based on local sightings, the Gulf’s decision on March 20 sets a benchmark for many communities.
The reliance on physical moon sighting rather than purely astronomical calculations remains a point of discussion among scholars, though Saudi Arabia maintains the traditional approach.
This year’s outcome, with no sighting on the 29th, results in the more common 30-day Ramadan cycle.
Authorities in the Kingdom and neighbouring states have urged continued adherence to health guidelines and communal harmony during celebrations.
As Muslims prepare for Eid, the focus shifts to spiritual renewal and acts of kindness that extend beyond the festival.
The unified date across the Gulf promises a cohesive regional observance, fostering unity in faith and tradition.