The moon sighting process is in full swing in Saudi Arabia as today, Wednesday March 18, marks the 29th day of Ramadan in the Arab country. The sighting of the Shawwal crescent signals the end of the holy month of fasting and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated the day after the sighting of the crescent moon.
Has the moon been sighted in Saudi Arabia?
In Saudi Arabia, Ramzan began on February 18, and today marks exactly one month since the holy season of fasting began. So far, the crescent has still not been spotted.
Led by lunar observer Abdullah Al-Khudairi, there are currently up to 11 observers at the Hawtat Sudair Observatory in Riyadh hoping to catch a glimpse of the crescent moon.
If we do not see the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia today, Muslims across the country will continue their fast and wait for the next day to be sighted.
Has the crescent moon been sighted in the United Arab Emirates?
The crescent moon was sighted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Earlier in the day, the International Astronomical Center confirmed that the crescent moon of Ramadan 1447 AH was photographed from Abu Dhabi by the center’s affiliated Khatm Astronomical Observatory, Gulf News reported.
When would Eid be celebrated in India?
While no official date for Eid-ul-Fitr has been released yet, many believe that the crescent moon could be sighted in India on either Friday, March 19 or Saturday, March 20.
In India, Eid is usually celebrated a day after it is celebrated in Saudi Arabia. Once the crescent moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia, the Indian authorities will get a timeline for the announcement of Eid-ul-Fitr 2026.
If the Moon is sighted in India on the evening of Thursday, March 19, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20 in accordance with Saudi Arabia.
If the moon is not sighted on Thursday, Ramadan will complete 30 days on Friday, March 20, and Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
