The crescent moon of Shawwal was not sighted... Friday is the first day of Eid al-Fitr
Supreme Court announcement regarding the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal
The Royal Court of Saudi Arabia announced, based on a decision by the Supreme Court, that the crescent moon of Shawwal for the year 1447 AH was not sighted on Wednesday evening. Therefore, it was officially decided that Thursday would be the 30th and final day of Ramadan, and that Friday would be the first day of Shawwal and the first day of Eid al-Fitr. This announcement puts an end to the widespread anticipation among citizens and residents regarding the date of Eid and the start of the celebrations.
Details of the Eid crescent sighting in Saudi Arabia
The Supreme Court had called upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal on the evening of Wednesday, the 29th of Ramadan of this year, 1447 AH, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, corresponding to March 18, 2026. The Court requested that anyone who sees the crescent moon with the naked eye or with binoculars report it to the nearest court and register their testimony. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relies on the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), to determine the beginning of the Islamic months, while also taking into account the precise astronomical calculations provided by official observatories located in various regions, such as the Sudair and Tumair observatories, which employ a select group of experts and specialists in astronomy.
The religious and social significance of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, marking the culmination of a month of fasting, prayer, and worship. It is considered a day of reward, a day when those who fasted rejoice in completing their religious duty. The celebrations begin with the payment of Zakat al-Fitr, which purifies the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity. This is followed by heading to prayer grounds and mosques to perform the Eid prayer in an atmosphere filled with joy and takbir (the declaration of God's greatness). On a social level, Eid represents a wonderful opportunity to strengthen family bonds, exchange visits and greetings, and bring joy to the hearts of children, the poor, and those in need, thus reinforcing the values of solidarity and compassion within the Muslim community.
Regional and international impact of the Saudi announcement
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's announcement regarding the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal receives significant attention both regionally and internationally. As the Qibla of Muslims and home to the Two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom is a primary reference point for many Arab and Islamic countries, as well as for Muslim minorities in Western countries who rely on the Makkah announcement to determine the beginnings of the Islamic months and religious holidays. This unified announcement contributes to strengthening the sense of unity and solidarity among the peoples of the Muslim world across the globe.
The Kingdom's preparations to welcome Eid al-Fitr
With the confirmation of the first day of Eid al-Fitr, government and private entities in Saudi Arabia intensify their preparations to provide a safe and comfortable environment for citizens and residents to celebrate the occasion. These preparations include equipping thousands of prayer areas and major mosques to accommodate worshippers, as well as organizing entertainment and cultural events in various regions. Markets and shopping centers also witness a surge in activity as people purchase Eid clothing and sweets, positively impacting the local economy. Meanwhile, security and traffic authorities work to manage traffic flow and ensure smooth movement during the official holiday.
