Authorities in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have urged Muslims to observe the crescent moon that will determine the date of Eid al-Fitr 2026 and the conclusion of Ramadan.
In Oman, the Main Committee for Moon Sighting is scheduled to meet on Thursday evening to sight the crescent for Shawwal 1447 AH. Citizens and residents have been encouraged to report any confirmed sightings to local committees to assist in verifying the moon’s appearance. Officials in Oman stated that if the crescent is sighted, Eid al-Fitr 2026 will be celebrated the next day; if not, Ramadan will continue for a full 30 days.
Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court has requested Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday evening, March 18. The timing aligns with the Umm Al Qura calendar, which marks that day as the 29th of Ramadan.
In Qatar, the Crescent Sighting Committee under the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has also called on residents to observe the moon on Wednesday evening. The committee instructed those who spot the crescent to report to its headquarters in Al Dafna after Maghreb prayers, so authorities can confirm the start of Shawwal and declare the official date for Eid.
Eid al-Fitr is one of Islam’s two major festivals, the other being Eid al-Adha. It occurs on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide.
The festival marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting from dawn to dusk, known as sawm. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr with prayers, charitable giving, family gatherings, and feasts, commemorating the conclusion of Ramadan and expressing gratitude for spiritual growth, discipline, and devotion during the holy month.
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