By Philomina brando
Saudi Arabian authorities have declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr after confirming that the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan was not sighted.
The announcement was made on Wednesday via the official social media platforms of HaraminInfo, which monitors developments around the two holy mosques.
“The crescent moon has NOT been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, #EidAlFitr will be celebrated on Friday, 20th March 2026,” the platform stated.
It added, “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.”
Providing further updates, the authorities noted that weather conditions affected visibility across key observation locations in the Kingdom, including Dammam and Tabuk.
“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,” the statement added.
Saudi Arabia’s declaration traditionally influences the timing of Eid celebrations in many Muslim-majority countries, including Nigeria.
In Nigeria, the official announcement rests with the Sultan of Sokoto, who is expected to confirm the sighting of the moon for the country.
As of the time of filing this report, Nigerians were awaiting an official statement from the Sultan to determine the date for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations nationwide.
Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by millions of Muslims across the world.