Saudi Supreme Court Sets March 21st for Shawwal Crescent Sighting and Announces Eid al-Fitr Date
Peace be upon you, to the people of Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah, and to every corner of this blessed land. There's a special feel to these days – the late nights, the prayers, the sense of bidding farewell. And before we say goodbye to the holy month, Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court steps in with its eagerly awaited announcement, the one that has everyone gazing at the sky with anticipation for the Eid crescent.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued its annual call, setting Saturday, March 21st, as the date for sighting the Shawwal crescent. Anyone who spots the crescent with the naked eye is urged to come forward and report to the nearest centre, so the testimony can be documented and verified. It's a tradition passed down through generations, one we hold dear, even if astronomical calculations suggest a different outcome. The Supreme Court is the ultimate authority, the body that consistently unites the word of Muslims in the land of the Two Holy Mosques.
Of course, everyone has a stargazing app on their phone these days, and the talk is all the same: will Eid be on Sunday or Monday? I won't get into the specifics, but from experience in previous years, the sighting is often possible. The general expectation is that Sunday, March 22nd, will complete the month's cycle, making Monday, March 23rd, the first day of Eid. But this is merely a forecast – God knows best. The final decision rests solely with those entrusted with it: the Supreme Court, which will convene after the Maghrib prayer to announce the definitive verdict.
And by the way, when you look at the Supreme Court of India, for instance, or the Supreme Court of the United States, you'll see they're always in the global spotlight for major constitutional cases. Even the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation carries its own weight and influence. And in India too, there are powerful courts like the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh, serving millions. They are all supreme courts, but our Supreme Court here in Saudi Arabia has a unique character, one that blends impartial justice with a direct link to the daily lives and worship of the people. It's something we take great pride in.
The bottom line, folks: get your gatherings ready, mark your calendars for Saturday night, and stay tuned to the news bulletins after sunset. Keep these key points in mind to stay ahead of the game:
- The key date: Saturday, March 21st, 2026 – the night we'll be scanning the skies.
- The deciding authority: The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia. Its word is final.
- The expectation: It will either be Sunday or Monday, but my personal bet is that Monday, March 23rd, marks the first day of Eid.
I pray to God that we all witness Eid, and that He accepts our good deeds. Eid Mubarak to you all. Keep an eye out for the Supreme Court's announcement in the coming hours.