Saudi Arabia Calls for Crescent Moon Sighting to Mark Eid Al Fitr 2026 The Saudi Supreme Court has instructed Muslims across the Kingdom to observe the crescent moon of Shawwal on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, to determine the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr. The announcement, released in an official statement on Monday, aligns with the Umm Al Qura calendar, which designates Wednesday as the 29th day of Ramadan 1447 AH. If the crescent is sighted on that night, Eid Al Fitr will commence the following day. If not, Ramadan will conclude after 30 days. The court emphasized that individuals who spot the crescent, whether through the naked eye or with binoculars, should report their observations to the nearest judicial authority or local administrative centers. These centers can assist in connecting witnesses with the relevant committees. The statement urged capable observers to participate in regional committees formed for this purpose, ensuring their testimonies are recorded. Moon-sighting committees are expected to gather at high-altitude locations across the Kingdom at sunset on Wednesday to conduct the search. The Supreme Court will finalize the decision on Eid’s start after verifying all reported sightings. This process reflects the traditional method of determining Islamic calendar dates, which relies on visual confirmation rather than astronomical calculations. The announcement highlights the role of communal participation in religious observances, as citizens are encouraged to contribute to the verification process. The court’s call for widespread involvement underscores the significance of collective effort in marking religious milestones. The outcome will be officially communicated once all testimonies are reviewed, ensuring alignment with the lunar calendar’s guidance.#saudi_arabia #shawwal #eid_al_fitr #saudi_supreme_court #ummal_qura_calendar
