The global confirmation of the first day of Eid al-Fitr has been announced. Eid al-Fitr is a significant celebration for Muslims worldwide, marking the conclusion of Ramadan, a month of fasting from dawn to dusk. The festival commences on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, following the sighting of the new crescent moon.
Saudi Arabia has officially declared that Eid al-Fitr will begin on Friday, March 20, as the crescent moon was not sighted in the kingdom. The determination was made by religious scholars after observing the skies post the Maghrib prayer.
While Saudi Arabia often sets the benchmark for Eid dates due to its Islamic significance, other countries like Morocco have their own moon-sighting systems. In the UK, Morocco, and Turkey, the crescent moon may be challenging to spot on Thursday, March 19, with the possibility of visibility through a telescope. The New Crescent Society will broadcast a live UK Eid al-Fitr moon sighting on YouTube and Facebook from 6.35 pm on Thursday.
Furthermore, Qatar has joined Saudi Arabia in welcoming the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The truce between the two nations is scheduled to last until midnight on Monday, March 24.
Saudi Arabia has expressed its approval of the temporary truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan as Eid Al-Fitr approaches. The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of prioritizing dialogue and peaceful resolutions for ongoing conflicts.
In Indonesia, an aerial photo captured motorists waiting to board a ferry to Sumatra in Cilegon as people traveled to their hometowns in preparation for Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
The Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre in Birmingham has announced its Eid 2026 plans, scheduling an outdoor event at Small Heath Park on Friday. The festivities will include Eid prayers and the Robert Wilkinson Funfair operating from 10 am to 9 pm for families to enjoy.
Various countries have confirmed the first day of Eid al-Fitr, with Singapore observing it on Saturday, March 21, and Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iraq marking Friday, March 20, as the celebration day.
The Australian National Imams Council and the Australian Fatwa Council have declared Friday, March 20, as the day for Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Australia. The announcement was based on calculated moon data and the possibility of moon sighting in the region.
In alignment with Saudi Arabia, the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee has designated Friday, March 20, as the commencement of Eid al-Fitr. The UAE government employees will have a public holiday from Thursday to Sunday.
Eid al-Fitr prayers in the UAE will be conducted inside mosques only, following precautionary measures amid regional tensions. Qatar has also confirmed Friday, March 20, as the day for Eid al-Fitr celebrations, as announced by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
Eid al-Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The festival’s commencement depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon, symbolizing the conclusion of fasting during Ramadan and the onset of celebrations.