Saudi Arabia Sets Shawwal Moon Sighting Date: Muslims Urged to Participate in Religious Observation

Saudi Arabia Prepares for Eid al-Fitr: Official Call for Shawwal Moon Sighting

The Supreme Court in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued an important statement calling on all Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the Shawwal crescent on the evening of Wednesday, the twenty-ninth of Ramadan, 1447 Hijri, corresponding to March 18, 2026, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar.

Significance of Moon Sighting and the Role of the Supreme Court

This call is made based on Supreme Court decision No. (204 / H) dated 29 Sha'ban 1447 AH, which declared Wednesday, 1 Ramadan 1447 AH (corresponding to February 18, 2026) as the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan. The Supreme Court emphasizes that sighting the Shawwal moon is a crucial step in determining the start of Eid al-Fitr, a great religious occasion celebrated by the Muslim Ummah.

Call for Community Participation

The call is not limited to merely announcing the date; the Supreme Court has encouraged Muslims who are able to sight the moon, whether with the naked eye or through binoculars, to report to their nearest court and record their testimony. They are also urged to contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the competent court. The Supreme Court hopes that those capable of moon sighting will pay attention to this matter and join the committees formed in the regions for this purpose, seeking reward and divine favor through cooperation in righteousness and piety.

Confirmation of Ramadan's Start

This announcement comes in the context of the Saudi Royal Court confirming that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, is the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH, following the confirmed sighting of the moon on Tuesday evening. This early determination of Ramadan's start allows Muslims to prepare better for the holy month.

Organizational Directives for Ramadan

In a related development, the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Abdullatif Al Al-Sheikh, stressed the prohibition of photographing imams and worshippers during prayers in mosques, affirming the Ministry's commitment to a set of organizational directives for Ramadan aimed at preserving the sanctity of the place and worship.

The determination of the Shawwal moon sighting date in Saudi Arabia reflects the official commitment to implementing Islamic teachings and involving the community in religious rituals, thereby strengthening the spirit of unity and solidarity among Muslims on this joyous occasion.