Saudi Supreme Court Sets March 21st for Shawwal Crescent Sighting and Announces Expected Date for Eid al-Fitr

Hello everyone, from Dublin to Cork, from Galway to the smallest villages across Ireland. There's a distinct feeling in the air these days, a sense of reflection and anticipation. Before we bid farewell to the holy month, all eyes turn to the Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia for its awaited announcement, the one that has everyone looking to the skies, waiting for the Eid moon.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued its annual call, setting Saturday, March 21st, as the date to sight the crescent moon of Shawwal. Anyone who spots the new moon with the naked eye is urged to come forward and report to the nearest court, so their testimony can be documented and verified. This is the 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 always unites Muslims in the land of the Two Holy Mosques.

Of course, these days everyone has a stargazing app on their phone, and the question on everyone's lips is: will Eid be on Sunday or Monday? I won't pretend to be an expert, but from experience in previous years, the sighting is often possible. This likely means that Sunday, March 22nd, will complete the 30 days of the month, making Monday, March 23rd, the first day of Eid. But this is just an expectation; God knows best, and the final decision rests with those in charge. The Supreme Court will convene after the Maghrib prayer to announce the official verdict.

And by the way, consider the Supreme Court of India, for instance, or the Supreme Court of the United States—they are always the focus of the world's attention in major constitutional cases. Even the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has its own authority and influence. And in India, there are powerful courts like the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh, serving millions of people. They are all supreme courts, but our Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia has its own unique character, one that blends the weight of justice with a direct connection to the daily lives and religious observances of its people. It's something we take great pride in.

So, folks, the bottom line is this: get your gatherings ready, mark Saturday night on your calendars, and tune in to the news bulletins after the Maghrib prayer. Keep these key points in mind to stay in the loop:

• The key date: Saturday, March 21st, 2026 – the night we all look to the sky.
• The deciding authority: The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia. Their word is final.
• The expectation: Either Sunday or Monday, but my personal guess is that Monday, March 23rd, will be the first day of Eid.

May God grant us and you the blessings of Eid, and may He accept our good deeds. Eid Mubarak to you all in advance. Stay tuned for the official announcement from the Supreme Court in the coming hours.