Saudi Arabia confirms Friday Eid al-Fitr after moon sighting failure
Abdullateef Fowewe
Saudi authorities announced Thursday that the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in the Kingdom, confirming Eid-ul-Fitr will begin on Friday, March 20.
The decision extends Ramadan to a full 30 days, ending speculation over the date of the major Islamic festival that celebrates the conclusion of the holy fasting month.
Haramain Sharifain, the official account for Mecca and Medina’s holy sites, shared the update on Facebook.
“Eid Al Fitr is on Friday, 20 March 2026,” the post stated.
It added, “The Crescent of month of Shawwal 1447 was NOT SIGHTED anywhere in the Kingdom today, subsequently the month of Ramadan will complete 30 days tomorrow and Eid Al Fitr will be on Friday.”
