By Ghazali Ibrahim
Uncertainty has continued to trail the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr date as multiple reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has yet to officially confirm the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, making it likely that fasting will run the full 30 days.
Authorities in the kingdom had earlier directed Muslims to search for the moon on Wednesday, March 18, with the outcome expected to determine whether Eid would fall the next day or be delayed.
However, early reports monitored across various outlets suggest that moon visibility was unlikely on Wednesday evening, raising strong indications that Ramadan will be completed as 30 days.
Under Islamic tradition, where the crescent is not sighted, the fasting period is extended to complete 30 days, after which Eid-el-Fitr is observed the following day.
Despite viral claims circulating on social media platforms, there has been no official declaration yet from the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, the only body authorised to confirm the sighting.
If the non-sighting is formally confirmed, Eid-el-Fitr will most likely be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, instead of Thursday, coinciding with early predictions of many Nigerians.
The situation has sparked anticipation across the Muslim world, as several countries often align their Eid celebrations with Saudi Arabia’s announcement, though some may rely on local moon sightings.
A final decision is expected after authorities verify reports from across the kingdom, which will determine the official end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal.
