Eid 2026 Date in Saudi Arabia: March 19 or 20? Supreme Court Calls for Moon Sighting Tomorrow
The Saudi Supreme Court has called on Muslims to sight the Shawwal crescent tomorrow, March 18, 2026. If the moon is seen, Eid al-Fitr will be on March 19; otherwise, Ramadan will last 30 days, making March 20 the official date for the festival. This traditional sighting concludes a month of fasting that began on February 18 across the Kingdom and Gulf region.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has officially called upon Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The sighting will determine the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the commencement of Eid 2026, also known as Eid al-Fitr and Eid Ul Fitr. In a statement issued from Riyadh, the Supreme Court urged citizens and residents to observe the horizon tomorrow evening, which corresponds to 29 Ramadan 1447 AH, also known as Chand Raat in Asian countries.
The court has requested that anyone who sights the new crescent, whether by the naked eye or through binoculars, report their testimony to the nearest judicial court or contact local administrative centers to be directed to the appropriate authorities. The outcome of the moon sighting will determine the date of Eid al-Fitr, celebrated on the first day of Shawwal month. Eid 2026 Date in India: Is Eid Ul Fitr on March 20 or March 21? Check Moon Sighting Probabilities.
Eid 2026 Moon Sighting Announcement in Saudi Arabia on March 18
Eid 2026 Date in Saudi Arabia: Moon Sighting Probabilities
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the transition between months depends on the physical sighting of the moon. This year, the start of Shawwal rests on two primary scenarios:
- Scenario 1: If the moon is sighted tomorrow evening, Ramadan will conclude at 29 days. In this case, Eid al-Fitr will be on Thursday, March 19.
- Scenario 2: If the moon is not visible on Wednesday, Ramadan will complete a 30-day cycle. Consequently, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20.
While many astronomical calculations currently suggest that the moon may be difficult to see on Wednesday, making Friday the more likely date for the festival, the Supreme Court maintains the traditional practice of physical verification before an official declaration is made.
Ramadan 2026 (Ramadan 1447 AH) began in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following the confirmed sighting of the lunar crescent the previous night. Since then, millions in the Kingdom and across the Gulf have observed a month of fasting, prayer, and charity. Ramadan 2026 Guide: Full List of What Breaks Your Fast and What Doesn't.
The announcement of the moon sighting is a moment of significant anticipation. In preparation for the holiday, both public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia have already been operating under shortened hours, and the government has previously outlined holiday schedules for employees to facilitate the upcoming festivities.
The official decision is expected to be broadcast late tomorrow evening following the collection of sighting reports from various regions across the Kingdom.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 17, 2026 11:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).