Saudi Arabia says no new moon sighted, declares Friday as Eid-el-Fitr

Saudi Arabia says no new moon sighted, declares Friday as Eid-el-Fitr

Authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have said no moon crescent marking the beginning of Shawwal and the end of Ramadan has been sighted.

With this development, the Ramadan fasting will be 30 days, while the Eid-el-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday in the Kingdom.

“The Crescent of month of Shawwal 1447 was NOT SIGHTED anywhere in the Kingdom today, subsequently the month of Ramadan will complete 30 days tomorrow and Eid Al Fitr will be on Friday,” Haramain, a Saudi-based online resource outfit, wrote on X.

https://t.co/H5trIBzqkz

— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) March 18, 2026
On March 17, Muhammad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, asked Muslims in Nigeria to look out for the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH on Wednesday.

Since February 17, Muslims across the world have abstained from eating, drinking, and any form of sexual relationship from dawn till dusk to observe Ramadan fasting which is either 29 or 30 days.

The development comes after the federal government has approved Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration, signalling the end of Ramadan.

The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

Congratulating Muslim faithful, the minister urged them to uphold the values of sacrifice, discipline and compassion cultivated during the fasting period.

He also called on Nigerians to use the festive season to pray for national peace, unity and stability.

Tunji-Ojo further encouraged citizens to celebrate in moderation and extend kindness to the less privileged in society.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering unity and peaceful coexistence across the country.