Qatar Calendar House Announces Eid Al Fitr Date The Qatar Calendar House (QCH) has determined that the first day of Shawwal and the start of Eid al-Fitr will fall on Friday, March 20, 2026, based on astronomical calculations conducted by its experts. This decision aligns with the traditional Islamic lunar calendar, which relies on the sighting of the crescent moon to mark the beginning of new months. According to the QCH, the crescent moon of Shawwal will become visible on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 4:24am Doha local time (1:24am GMT). The organization emphasized that it is astronomically impossible to observe the crescent moon on the evening of March 18, 2026, in Qatar’s skies. This conclusion is based on detailed observations and scientific models used to predict lunar visibility. While the QCH provides its calculations, the final authority on the start of Shawwal rests with the Crescent Sighting Investigation Committee at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. This committee is responsible for verifying the sighting of the moon and making the official declaration. The QCH’s role is to offer scientific guidance, but the ultimate decision remains with the committee. The announcement comes as Qatar continues to balance its traditional Islamic practices with modern scientific advancements. The country’s approach to determining Islamic dates reflects its commitment to both cultural heritage and technological precision. The Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan, is a significant event in Qatar’s cultural and religious calendar. The government typically announces public holidays in advance to allow citizens and residents to prepare for the celebrations.#eid_al_fitr #qatar_calendar_house #ministry_of_awqaf_and_islamic_affairs #crescent_sighting_investigation_committee #amiri_diwan
