The importance of sighting the crescent moon of Shawwal in the Islamic world
Ramadan 1447 AH, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and across the Islamic world will be watching of Eid al-Fitr . A number of observers and astronomy enthusiasts are preparing to monitor the new moon at various observation sites throughout the Kingdom.
Historically, the sighting of the new moon holds great significance in Islamic law, in accordance with the noble Prophetic guidance linking the beginning and end of Ramadan to visual observation. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has established a comprehensive system combining traditional naked-eye observation with modern astronomical observatories, reflecting the leadership's commitment to the accuracy of religious timings upon which the worship of millions of Muslims, both locally and internationally, depends. In this context, observer Mutaib Al-Barghash explained that the successful sighting of the new moon relies, after God's grace, on the observer's expertise in determining the crescent's location on the western horizon after sunset, as well as clear skies free from atmospheric influences such as dust and clouds that could impede visibility.
Umm Al-Qura calendar predictions and expert opinions
Abdullah Al-Khudairi, an astronomical consultant at Al-Majmaah University and an observer, stated that the crescent moon of Shawwal will be visible – God willing – on the evening of Friday, the 1st of Shawwal 1447 AH, corresponding to March 20, 2026 CE according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, even from within cities. He indicated that the crescent will remain visible for approximately 93 minutes after sunset.
Al-Khudairi explained that some people may think that the crescent moon is returning to the previous night, due to the age of the crescent moon, which will be about 38 hours old, in addition to its height above the horizon by about 20 degrees, and its elongation, which is about 21 degrees, which makes it high and clear in the sky.
Astronomical calculations confirm the completion of Ramadan
Astronomical expert Dr. Khaled Al-Zaaq explained that astronomical calculations indicate that Friday, March 20, 2026, is expected to be the first day of Eid al-Fitr for the year 1447 AH, noting that astronomical data suggests that the crescent of Shawwal will not be visible on the evening of Thursday, the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 19, 2026, which suggests that the month of Ramadan will be completed as thirty days.
For his part, Professor Abdullah Al-Musnad, former professor of climatology at Qassim University and vice president of the Weather and Climate Society, confirmed that astronomical calculations indicate that Eid al-Fitr for the year 1447 AH will fall on Friday, March 20th. He explained that Ramadan this year will complete thirty days according to astronomical data. Al-Musnad pointed out that the usual day for sighting the new moon will be Wednesday evening, the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 18th. However, the astronomical conditions on that day will not allow for the sighting of the crescent, as the moon will set approximately 30 minutes before sunset in all regions of the Kingdom, making it impossible to see the crescent. He added that the moment of conjunction (the birth of the new moon) will occur at dawn on Thursday, the 30th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 19th, at 4:26 AM, which is after sunset on the day of sighting. This astronomically means that the crescent will be impossible to see that night.
Regional and international impact of differing lunar sightings
Astronomer Mulham Hindi explained the reasons for the possible difference in the date of Eid al-Fitr between some Islamic countries between Friday and Saturday, indicating that this is due to the difference in the beginning of the month of Ramadan and the methods of proving the beginning of the lunar months.
He explained that countries that started the month of Ramadan on Wednesday – such as Saudi Arabia, the Gulf countries and most African countries – will have the sighting on Wednesday evening, March 18, and on that day the conditions for sighting will not be available because the crescent of Shawwal will not be born until dawn on Thursday, and the moon will set before the sun, which makes sighting the crescent impossible. Therefore, Thursday will be the completion of the month of Ramadan, and Friday will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
Hindi added that countries that began Ramadan on Thursday – such as Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, and most of East Asia – will sight the new moon on Thursday evening, March 19. The new moon will be born on that day, but visibility conditions will vary across the globe. It will be impossible to see in East Asia, possible with astronomical imaging in West Asia, and possible with telescopes in Oman, the Gulf states, Morocco, and several other Arab countries. The possibility of sighting with the naked eye will improve starting from Algeria and westward. He indicated that, based on these data, most Arab countries are expected to sight the Eid crescent on Thursday evening, March 19, making Friday the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
The legal perspective and the call of the Supreme Court
The significant international impact of the Saudi Supreme Court's decisions is evident here, as many Muslim minorities in Western and Asian countries rely on the Kingdom's announcement to unify their celebrations of Eid. Hindi explained that some East and Central Asian countries that rely on traditional sightings without telescopes or astronomical imaging—such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and some Muslim communities in Japan, India, and Australia—may not be able to see the crescent moon on Thursday evening, potentially making Friday the 30th day of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr on Saturday.
Weather and climate researcher Abdul Aziz Al-Hussaini said that, according to astronomical calculations, Ramadan this year 1447 AH – God willing – will be “thirty” days. Thursday, March 19, will be the last day of Ramadan, and it is likely that Eid al-Fitr will be on Friday, 1/10/1447 AH, according to the calendar, which corresponds to March 20, 2026 AD. The Supreme Court of the Kingdom confirms or denies this, and God knows best.
It is worth mentioning that the Supreme Court of the Kingdom called for the sighting of the crescent of the month of Shawwal on the evening of Wednesday, the twenty-ninth of Ramadan, and receives the testimonies of the sighters in various regions of the Kingdom to prove the beginning of the month, in accordance with what is required by Islamic law in the confirmation of the crescents, which strengthens the spiritual and social bonds that the Eid embodies in the hearts of Muslims.
