Saudi Arabia Declares Friday as Eid-el-Fitr After Shawwal Crescent Not Sighted
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have officially announced that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal 1447 AH was not sighted, meaning the holy month of Ramadan will complete 30 days this year.
As a result, Eid-el-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday across the Kingdom.
The announcement was shared by Haramain on social media platform X.
“The Crescent of the month of Shawwal 1447 was not sighted anywhere in the Kingdom today. Consequently, the month of Ramadan will complete 30 days tomorrow and Eid Al-Fitr will be on Friday,” the statement read.
Nigeria Awaits Moon Sighting
Earlier, the Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III had called on Muslims in Nigeria to look out for the new moon of Shawwal on Wednesday to determine the end of Ramadan in the country.
Muslims worldwide have been observing Ramadan fasting, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset since the beginning of the holy month, which typically lasts 29 or 30 days.
Nigeria Declares Public Holidays
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The announcement was made by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo through a statement issued by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Magdalene Ajani.
In his message to Muslims, the minister urged Nigerians to uphold the values of sacrifice, discipline, and compassion cultivated during the Ramadan fasting period.
He also encouraged citizens to use the festive season to pray for peace, unity, and stability in the country, while celebrating in moderation and showing kindness to the less privileged.
Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians during and beyond the festive period.
