The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called on Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, a development that will determine the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
In an official announcement released on Monday, the court urged all Muslims in Saudi Arabia to observe the sky on the evening of the 29th day of Ramadan and report any sighting of the crescent moon to the nearest court or local authorities.
The sighting of the Shawwal moon is a key religious event in the Islamic calendar, as it signals the conclusion of the holy month of fasting and the start of the festivities of Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations for Muslims worldwide.
According to the court, individuals who are able to sight the crescent moon with the naked eye or through optical devices are encouraged to report their observation to the nearest judicial authority so that it can be formally verified.
The announcement forms part of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing Islamic tradition in which the official confirmation of moon sightings determines the start of new lunar months in the Islamic calendar.
Religious scholars say the process ensures that the beginning of Shawwal is declared in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence, which relies on verified moon sightings rather than fixed astronomical calculations alone.
If the crescent moon is sighted on Wednesday evening, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated the following day. However, if the moon is not visible, Muslims in the Kingdom will complete 30 days of Ramadan fasting before marking the festival.
Across the Muslim world, millions closely follow announcements from Saudi authorities, given the Kingdom’s central role in Islam and its custodianship of the two holiest sites in Islam.
Mosques, Islamic centers, and community leaders across different countries typically await official confirmations from their own religious authorities, though many often reference Saudi announcements as part of their considerations.
As the final days of Ramadan approach, Muslims are intensifying prayers, charity and spiritual reflection, while preparing for the joyous celebrations that accompany Eid al-Fitr.
The Supreme Court therefore urged citizens and residents who witness the crescent moon on Wednesday evening to promptly notify the relevant authorities, helping ensure an accurate and unified declaration of the new Islamic month of Shawwal.
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