The announcement of the commencement of Eid al-Fitr has been made. Celebrated by Muslims globally to mark the conclusion of Ramadan, the month of fasting from dawn till dusk, the festival starts on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic lunar calendar upon the sighting of the new crescent moon.

Saudi Arabia has officially declared that Eid al-Fitr will start on Friday (March 20) since the crescent moon was not sighted in the kingdom following the Maghrib prayer. Different countries, such as Morocco, have their own moon-sighting systems, with some communities opting to follow Morocco’s calendar.

Several nations, including Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iraq, have confirmed the observance of Eid al-Fitr on Friday (March 20). Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Turkey have also announced the same date for the festival after the Shawwal crescent moon was not spotted on Wednesday.

In Australia, the Australian National Imams Council and the Australian Fatwa Council have determined Friday (March 20) as Eid al-Fitr based on moon calculations. The UAE Moon-Sighting Committee has aligned with Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries, setting Friday (March 20) as the first day of Eid.

Amid regional tensions, the UAE has announced that Eid prayers will be held inside mosques only as a safety measure. The Qatar Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has also confirmed Friday (March 20) as Eid al-Fitr.

The Fiqh Council of North America has declared Eid al-Fitr 2026 to fall on Friday, March 20, with variations possible across North America based on Islamic organizations’ rulings. The council relies on astronomical calculations for determining lunar months.

As the date approaches, Muslims globally prepare for Eid al-Fitr celebrations, engaging in shopping for food and gifts. The festival marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection. Traditional congregational prayers are a significant part of Eid, symbolizing unity and community spirit among Muslims.