Eid Al Fitr 2026: March 20 Or March 21, Correct Date For Ramadan? When Is Shawwal Crescent Moon Sighting?

Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims across the world, is going to end soon with the celebration of Eid Al Fitr, popularly called Ramadan or Ramzan. This is one of the holiest and most auspicious days for Muslims; however, the date of the festival will depend upon the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon. Accordingly, the correct date for Ramadan is yet to be confirmed.

What Is Eid Al Fitr?

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of a month-long and dawn-to-dusk fasting period during Ramadan. It is one of the most important Islamic celebrations. Eid Al Fitr is the first day of Shawwal and the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.

The day is celebrated with a communal prayer in the early hours of the day, followed by visits to family, friends and relatives, while giving gifts and sharing meals.

What Is Shawwal Crescent Moon Sighting?

The sighting of the new moon, or the Shawwal crescent moon as it is otherwise called, signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr and its festivities, as per Islamic Relief UK.

Furthermore, the month of Shawwal said to bring opportunity for great reward for worshippers as outlined by the Messenger of Allah (pbuh). Also, in many regions, Muslims can decide to fast the six days of Shawwal, which are voluntary and can be completed at any time throughout the month before Shawwal could end.

Shawwal Crescent Moon 2026 Date?

The Shawwal Crescent Moon sighting is expected to be visible in the evening skies across the globe either on March 19 or March 20th.

After the crescent moon is sighted, it will mark the end of Ramadan fasting and the next day will be Eid-Al-Fitr or first day of Shawwal.

Eid-Al-Fitr 2026 Correct Date:

Accordingly, majority are expecting Eid-Al Fitr to be celebrated either on March 20th or March 21st. As per Islamic Relief Org UK, Eid Al-Fitr and the first day of Shawwal is expected to begin on Saturday 21st March 2026. This is subject to change depending on the sighting of the moon.

Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH Date: Also, Fiqh Council of North America in its earlier report had said, the Astronomical New Moon will be born on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026. On that evening the elongation is more than 8 degrees and the moon is more than 5 degrees above the horizon. Hence the first day of Shawwal (ʿEid al-Fitr) is Friday, March 20, 2026.

When Will Shawwal End?

The month of Shawwal is expected to end on Saturday, April 18, 2026. However, this date could change depending upon the moon sighting.