The Supreme Court calls for the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal on Wednesday evening

Details of the Supreme Court's call to investigate the crescent moon of Shawwal

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia issued an official statement calling upon all Muslims, citizens, and residents throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal for the year 1447 AH on the evening of Wednesday, the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 18, 2026 CE, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar. This call is based on the Supreme Court's previous decision that determined the beginning of Ramadan, with the aim of establishing the date of Eid al-Fitr.

The court explained in its statement the details and procedures for reporting the sighting, urging anyone who sees the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars and advanced astronomical equipment to promptly report to the nearest court and register their testimony. The court also provided the option of contacting the nearest emirate or police station to assist the sighter in reaching the court to give their official and documented testimony.

The religious and historical context of crescent sighting in the Kingdom

The sighting of the new moon is a confirmed Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) in Islamic law, as the Islamic lunar calendar is based on the moon's phases. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gives this practice significant institutional attention, possessing a network of advanced astronomical observatories in various regions, most notably the observatories of Hawtat Sudair and Tumair. These observatories employ a select group of experts, astronomers, and certified moon-sighters. These official committees work alongside volunteer citizens to ensure the accuracy of the sighting and its documentation according to precise Sharia and scientific standards.

The importance of the event and its impact locally and within the Islamic world

Locally, the Supreme Court’s announcement is widely anticipated, as it determines the first day of Eid al-Fitr, and the religious arrangements that follow, including the obligation to pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer, as well as organizing official and popular events and celebrations, and determining the official holidays for the public and private sectors in the Kingdom.

On both regional and international levels, the announcement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia carries significant weight and influence. Given the Kingdom's religious standing and its custodianship of the Two Holy Mosques and the direction of prayer (Qibla) for Muslims, many Islamic countries and the religious councils of Muslim minorities in Western countries rely on the official sighting of the new moon issued by Riyadh to determine the beginning of Shawwal and the date of Eid al-Fitr. This contributes significantly to the unification of religious observances and events across the Islamic world.

An invitation to participate and earn reward

In closing its statement, the Supreme Court urged all those with visual ability and experience in sighting the crescent moon to pay attention to this great matter and join the official committees formed in various regions, seeking reward and recompense from God Almighty for helping the Muslim nation to perform its rituals, as this constitutes cooperation in righteousness and piety and benefits all Muslims everywhere.