Saudi Declares Friday For Eid-el-Fitr As Moon Not Sighted

Authorities in Saudi Arabia have declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr following the non-sighting of the crescent moon.

The announcement was made on Wednesday via the official HaraminInfo social media platforms, which provide updates on religious developments in the Kingdom.

According to the statement, efforts to sight the crescent moon across designated locations in the Kingdom were unsuccessful due to unfavourable weather conditions.

“The crescent moon has NOT been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, #EidAlFitr will be celebrated on Friday, 20th March 2026,” the statement read.

The platform also offered prayers for Muslims as the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close.

“May Allāh allow us to utilise the remaining moments of this blessed month to engage in that which pleases Him, may He accept our siyām, qiyām & a’māl and may He allow us to witness many more Ramadāns in good health. Āmīn,” it added.

Saudi authorities explained that observations were conducted across multiple locations, from Dammam—identified as the first city in the Kingdom where the crescent moon is usually sighted—to Tabuk, regarded as the last observation point.

However, persistent cloud cover and rainfall hampered visibility.

“Dammam, the first city in the Kingdom where the crescent moon of Eid al-Fitr is sighted. Tabuk – the last city in the Kingdom where the sighting ends. Until now: Cloudy conditions continue at most observation sites across the Kingdom. Rain is currently heading toward observation sites across the Kingdom,” the statement noted.

Saudi Arabia’s declaration is expected to influence several Muslim-majority countries, including Nigeria, where the official pronouncement rests with the Sultan of Sokoto.

As of the time of filing this report, Nigerians are awaiting confirmation from the Sultan regarding the sighting of the moon, which will determine the exact date for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations nationwide.

Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month characterised by fasting, prayers, and reflection by millions of Muslims around the world.

The festival is typically observed with prayers, charity, and communal celebrations among Muslim faithful.