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

The Supreme Court calls on Muslims to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Wednesday evening

In preparation for Eid al-Fitr, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia issued an official statement calling upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal for the year 1447 AH. The Court specified Wednesday evening, the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 18, 2026, as the date for the crescent sighting, marking the end of the month of fasting and the beginning of Eid.

Details of the Supreme Court summons and methods of notification

The Supreme Court announced that Wednesday, September 1, 1447 AH (according to the Umm al-Qura calendar), corresponding to February 18, 2026 CE, was the first day of Ramadan. Therefore, the night for sighting the new moon will be Wednesday evening, the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 18, 2026 CE. The Court urged anyone who sights the crescent moon, whether with the naked eye or using binoculars and astronomical instruments, to promptly report their sighting to the nearest court and officially register their testimony. The Court also provided the option of contacting the nearest government center to facilitate the sighter's access to the relevant court to document their sighting.

In a related context, the Supreme Court urged people who have the ability and experience in sighting the crescent moon to join the official committees formed in various regions of the Kingdom for this purpose, stressing the great reward and merit in doing so, cooperation in righteousness and piety, and the benefit that accrues to the entire Islamic nation.

The historical and legal context of sighting the new moon in the Kingdom

Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has relied on the sighting of the new moon to determine the beginning and end of the lunar months, in accordance with the Prophetic tradition: "Fast when you see it (the new moon) and break your fast when you see it." Historically, the process of sighting the new moon depended entirely on naked-eye observation by trustworthy individuals with keen eyesight and knowledge of the lunar phases. With scientific advancements, the relevant authorities in the Kingdom have been keen to integrate modern technology with the traditional method of sighting the new moon. Advanced astronomical observatories have been established in strategic locations such as the Hawtat Sudair Observatory and the Tumair Observatory, which are characterized by clear skies and high altitudes. This facilitates the observation of the new moon using the latest telescopes and astronomical instruments, ensuring the highest levels of accuracy and reliability in the announcement.

The importance of the event and its local, regional, and international impact

The Supreme Court's announcement regarding the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally , citizens and residents of the Kingdom eagerly await this announcement, as it determines the date of Eid prayers, the start of official holidays for both the public and private sectors, and the commencement of events and celebrations associated with Eid al-Fitr, which positively impacts commercial and economic activity in the markets.

At the regional and international levels , the Saudi Supreme Court's decision is being closely followed and closely watched by many Arab and Islamic countries. Given the Kingdom's religious standing as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the direction of prayer for Muslims, many countries, communities, and Muslim minorities around the world rely on the Saudi announcement to determine the beginning of the Islamic months and the dates of religious holidays, highlighting the Kingdom's leading role in unifying the rituals of the Muslim Ummah and strengthening its solidarity.

In conclusion, the moments of sighting the crescent of Shawwal remain among the most beautiful spiritual moments that bring Muslims together in anticipation of the joy of Eid, asking God Almighty to accept everyone’s fasting and prayers, and to bring this happy occasion back to the Islamic nation with prosperity, goodness and blessings.