Saudi Supreme Court sets March 21 for Shawwal crescent sighting, announces Eid al-Fitr date

Hello everyone, from Makkah to Riyadh to Jeddah, and to every corner of this blessed land – these last few days of Ramadan have a feeling all their own. That special vibe of late-night prayers and reflection, the bittersweet sense of saying goodbye. But before we bid farewell to this holy month, we're all waiting for the much-anticipated announcement from the Supreme Court. The one that has everyone looking up to the sky, hoping for a glimpse of the Eid moon.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued its annual call, setting Saturday, March 21, as the day to sight the Shawwal crescent. If you spot the moon with your own eyes, don't hesitate – make your way to the nearest designated centre to have your testimony officially documented. This is the tradition we've grown up with, the one we hold dear, even if astronomical calculations might suggest otherwise. The Supreme Court is the ultimate authority here, the body that unites Muslims across the land of the Two Holy Mosques.

Of course, we all have those astronomy apps on our phones now, and everyone's buzzing with the same question: is Eid on Sunday or Monday? I don't like to make firm predictions, but from what we've seen in past years, the sighting is often possible. Most likely, Sunday, March 22, will complete the 30 days of Ramadan, making Monday, March 23, the first day of Eid. But hey, this is just an educated guess – Allah knows best. The final call rests with the Supreme Court, which will convene after Maghrib prayer to announce its official decision.

And speaking of supreme courts, it's interesting to think about how the Supreme Court of India, for instance, or the Supreme Court of the United States, are always in the global spotlight for major constitutional rulings. Even the Supreme Court of Russia carries its own significant weight and influence. Over in India too, you have powerful benches like the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh serving millions of people. All are supreme courts in their own right, but there's something unique about our Supreme Court here in Saudi Arabia. It blends the gravitas of the judiciary with a direct, tangible impact on our daily lives and our acts of worship – and that's something we can truly be proud of.

So, here's the bottom line, folks. Get your gathering spots ready, mark your calendars for Saturday night, and stay tuned to the news bulletins right after Maghrib. To make sure you're in the know, just remember these key points:

• The big day: Saturday, March 21, 2026 – the night we'll be scanning the skies.
• The deciding authority: The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia. Its word is final.
• The expectation: Could be Sunday or Monday, but my personal bet is that Monday, March 23, will mark the start of Eid.

I pray that Allah grants us all the chance to celebrate Eid, and that He accepts our good deeds. Wishing you all the very best. Stay tuned for the official word from the Supreme Court in the coming hours. Eid Mubarak in advance!