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Saudi Arabia Set for Moonsighting to Determine when Eid Starts
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court confirmed Eid al-Fitr for March 20 after no crescent moon was sighted, extending Ramadan to 30 days in line with Islamic lunar calendar rules.
- On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the Saudi Supreme Court called on citizens and officials to search for the Shawwal crescent moon after sunset. This sighting will determine whether Eid-ul-Fitr begins Thursday or if Ramadan extends one more day.
- The sighting of the crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan and 30 days of fasting, signaling the start of Eid-ul-Fitr. If the moon remains unseen due to clouds or faintness, the current month automatically extends to 30 days.
- UK Government astronomers at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, state the new moon will not be "born" until 1:23 am Universal Time on Thursday, March 19. This calculation suggests a "negative moonsighting" is expected in Saudi Arabia.
- If the crescent is not sighted, Ramadan will continue for one more day, likely pushing Eid-ul-Fitr to Friday, March 20 or Saturday, March 21. Millions of Muslims worldwide rely on this Saudi announcement to coordinate prayers and festivities.
- Global data indicates the crescent will be too faint for visibility in Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and South Africa on March 19. Consequently, regional observances may split, with countries confirming Eid dates based on local sightings or astronomical forecasts.
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Saudi Arabia to celebrate Eidul Fitr on Friday
Saudi Arabia announced that Eidul Fitr would be celebrated on Friday, according to a statement published by state media. “The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Thursday, is the completion of the 30th day of the month of Ramazan, and that Friday is the day of the Blessed Eidul Fitr,” the Saudi Press Agency reported. Across the Muslim world, Ramazan festivities this year were overshadowed by the ongoing war in the Middle East, triggered by…
·Pakistan
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Total News Sources51
Leaning Left5Leaning Right7Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 23%
C 45%
R 32%
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