Shawwal moon not sighted in Saudi Arabia - Eid to be celebrated Friday
Shawwal moon not sighted in Saudi Arabia. File photo
Shawwal moon not sighted in Saudi Arabia. File photo
(Web Desk): As Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia, Eidul Fitr 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, March 20.

Arab media reported that meetings were held at eleven locations across Saudi Arabia to observe the Shawwal moon. Experts participated, and officials asked citizens and foreigners alike to look for the crescent.

After reviewing all reports from observatories and moon sighting committees, the Supreme Court announced that Ramadan 1447 Hijri will complete 30 days, confirming Eidul Fitr 2026 on Friday, March 20.

Read more: 5G internet launch on Eid to ensure faster mobile networks in Pakistan

Ramazan had started on February 18 in Saudi Arabia and most Arab countries. Since the moon was not sighted on Wednesday, Thursday will mark the 30th day of Ramadan, leading to Eid on March 20.

In Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on Thursday to sight the moon. Non-official committees, led by Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai, will also hold meetings. The final Eid announcement will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after reviewing sightings and testimonies.

According to SUPARCO, the Shawwal moon is unlikely to be seen in Pakistan on March 19, so Eid is expected on March 21. The new moon for Shawwal 1447 Hijri will be born at 6:23am, and at sunset, the moon will be about 12 hours and 41 minutes old. In coastal areas, the difference between sunset and moonset will be roughly 28 minutes, making visibility difficult.

If all goes according to astronomical predictions, the first day of Shawwal 1447 Hijri will be on Saturday, March 21, marking Eidul Fitr in Pakistan. The final confirmation will come from the chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.

Read more: Five holidays for Eidul Fitr 2026 in Punjab, govt issues notification

Eid will be celebrated on different days in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Moon visibility depends on location and weather. People are waiting for official announcements. This may create slight differences in Eid celebrations across countries.

 

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