Eid-El-Fitr: Moon Not Sighted In Saudi Arabia

The authorities in Saudi Arabia have declared that the crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1447 was not sighted today.

By implication, the 2026 Ramadan fast in the country will last 30 days, and Eid Al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, 20th March.

Naija News recalls that in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, had earlier announced the beginning of the search for the Shawwal crescent, signalling preparations to mark the end of Ramadan 1447AH and the commencement of Eid celebrations.

The Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, made the call in a statement issued by the Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

The statement, signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu, announced that Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, has been set aside for the nationwide moon sighting.

Muslims were urged to look out for the new crescent on that day and report any credible sighting promptly.

According to the statement, those who observe the crescent are to report to their nearest district or village heads, who will relay the information to the Sultan for verification and official declaration.

To ensure seamless coordination, the Sultanate Council provided dedicated telephone lines for direct communication of verified sightings.

The announcement aligns with the long-standing Islamic tradition where the sighting of the Shawwal crescent determines the conclusion of the Ramadan fast and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr.