Sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal 1447: Friday is the first day of Eid al-Fitr astronomically
On Wednesday evening, the 29th of Ramadan 1447 AH, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and across the Islamic world will be looking for the crescent moon of Shawwal, marking the end of the month of fasting and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr. Astronomical observatories and committees throughout the Kingdom are preparing to observe the new moon, in response to the call of the Supreme Court, which consistently emphasizes the importance of reviving this Sunnah (Prophetic tradition).
History and importance of the Sharia vision in the Islamic world
Determining the start of lunar months, especially Shawwal, is one of the most important rituals associated with Islamic history since the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In the past, Muslims relied on naked-eye observation from high places and clear deserts. With the advancement of science, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has combined the traditional sighting of the new moon with precise astronomical calculations to ensure accurate dates. This reflects the leadership's commitment to unifying Muslims and ensuring that religious observances are performed at their correct times, thus giving this event significant local and regional importance.
Conditions for sighting the crescent of Shawwal and the criteria of the Umm al-Qura calendar
Expert and astronomer Mutaib Al-Barghash explained that the successful sighting of the Shawwal crescent depends, after God's grace, on the observer's experience in determining the crescent's location on the western horizon after sunset, in addition to clear skies free of dust and clouds that could obstruct visibility. For his part, astronomer Abdullah Al-Khudairi, advisor to the Astronomical Observatory at Al-Majmaah University, stated that the Shawwal crescent will be visible, God willing, on the evening of Friday, Shawwal 1, 1447 AH (corresponding to March 20, 2026 CE), according to the Umm Al-Qura calendar. He indicated that the crescent will remain visible for approximately 93 minutes after sunset and will be about 38 hours old, making it high in the sky and easily visible, even from within cities.
Astronomical calculations confirm: Friday is the first day of Eid
In a related context, astronomer Dr. Khalid Al-Zaaq confirmed that astronomical data suggests the crescent moon will not be visible on Wednesday evening, the 29th of Ramadan, meaning Ramadan will complete its 30 days, making Friday, March 20, 2026, the first day of Shawwal. This was supported by Dr. Abdullah Al-Musnad, former professor of climatology at Qassim University, who explained that the moon will set approximately 30 minutes before sunset on Wednesday, making visibility impossible. He added that the conjunction (new moon) will occur at dawn on Thursday at 4:26 AM.
The event's impact on unifying celebrations in Islamic countries
The date of Eid al-Fitr has significant international implications, as Muslim countries strive to unify their celebrations as much as possible. In this regard, astronomer Mulham Hindi explained the reasons for the potential difference in the date of Eid al-Fitr between some countries. Countries that began their fast on Wednesday (such as Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states) will attempt to sight the new moon on Wednesday evening, March 18, but it will not be visible. However, countries that began Ramadan on Thursday (such as Oman, Egypt, Jordan, and East Asian countries) will attempt to sight the new moon on Thursday, March 19.
Hindi added that visibility conditions on Thursday evening will vary globally; while it will be impossible in East Asia, it will be visible with telescopes in the Gulf countries and North Africa, and visible to the naked eye in Algeria and areas west of it. This difference in methods of confirmation may lead to some East Asian countries celebrating Eid on Saturday, while most Arab countries celebrate on Friday.
The final word rests with the Supreme Court
In conclusion, as weather and climate researcher Abdulaziz Al-Hussaini pointed out, astronomical calculations unanimously indicate that Ramadan this year will be 30 days long, with Thursday, March 19th, completing the month, making Friday, March 20th, the first day of Eid al-Fitr. Despite all this scientific agreement, the final word and official decision rests with the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, which receives testimonies from reliable sources and issues its official statement, affirming adherence to the Prophetic tradition.
