The global confirmation for the commencement of Eid al-Fitr has been announced. Eid al-Fitr is a significant celebration observed by Muslims worldwide, marking the conclusion of Ramadan, a month of fasting from dawn till dusk. The festival begins on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, following the sighting of the new crescent moon.
Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed that Eid al-Fitr will start on Friday, March 20, as the crescent moon was not spotted in the kingdom following the Maghrib prayer. While Saudi Arabia is a common reference point for Eid dates due to its Islamic significance, other countries have their own moon-sighting systems. For instance, Morocco utilizes its national moon-sighting system, and certain Muslim communities, such as those in the UK, may opt to follow Morocco’s calendar.
In the UK, Morocco, and Turkey, observing the crescent moon on Thursday, March 19, will be challenging without specialized equipment, though it may be visible through a telescope. The New Crescent Society will broadcast a live stream of the UK Eid al-Fitr moon sighting on YouTube and Facebook starting at 6.35 pm on Thursday.
Qatar has joined Saudi Arabia in endorsing the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The temporary truce between the two countries is scheduled to last until midnight on Monday, March 24, with Pakistan announcing a pause in strikes at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey in preparation for Eid al-Fitr.
Saudi Arabia has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan as Eid Al-Fitr approaches, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolutions in conflict situations. Aerial images from Cilegon, Indonesia, show individuals waiting to board a ferry to Sumatra as part of their travel for Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
In Birmingham, the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) has unveiled its Eid 2026 plans, scheduling the outdoor event for Friday based on Saudi Arabia’s announcements. The event at Small Heath Park will include Eid prayers at 9 am, followed by the Robert Wilkinson Funfair operating from 10 am to 9 pm, offering families a chance to enjoy the rides as part of the festivities.
Various countries have confirmed their Eid al-Fitr dates, with Singapore observing it on Saturday, March 21, due to astronomical data indicating the moon’s visibility. Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iraq have officially declared Friday, March 20, as Eid al-Fitr, while Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Turkey have also confirmed the same date following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
The Australian National Imams Council and the Australian Fatwa Council have announced Friday, March 20, as the day for Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Australia, based on calculated moon sightings and global scholarly council standards. Similarly, the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee has designated Friday, March 20, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s announcement and granting federal government employees a holiday from March 19 to March 22.
Eid al-Fitr celebrations are significant as they mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. The festival’s commencement is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon, symbolizing the conclusion of fasting and the start of festivities. Muslims follow various moon-sighting systems, sometimes leading to differing celebration dates.