RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in the Kingdom. Authorities convened moon-sighting committees and observatories in various cities to search for the crescent marking the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. Shawwal moon sightingThe Saudi Supreme Court had earlier called upon citizens and residents to participate in the moon sighting and report any credible observations. Despite these appeals and widespread monitoring, no verified testimony of the crescent sighting was received from any part of the country. Following the review process, the Supreme Court formally declared that the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH will fall on Friday, March 20, marking the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr across Saudi Arabia.

Source: The Patriot March 19, 2026 11:09 UTC