By Achile Danjuma
Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in the Kingdom on Wednesday evening, March 18.
The Saudi Supreme Court confirmed that the month of Ramadan 1447 AH has completed 30 days, with no credible sighting reported despite observers at multiple locations. Muslims in Saudi Arabia will therefore observe one additional day of fasting on Thursday, March 19, before beginning Eid celebrations.
The announcement aligns with expectations in many Muslim countries that follow Saudi moon-sighting traditions, including Nigeria. Eid prayers are expected across mosques early Friday morning, followed by family gatherings, feasts, and charitable acts.