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

Greetings to everyone in Mecca, Riyadh, Jeddah, and to every corner of this blessed land. These final days of Ramadan have a distinct feel—a mix of late-night prayers and the bittersweet sense that we're saying goodbye. Before we bid farewell to the holy month, all eyes turn to the Supreme Court for its eagerly awaited announcement, the one that has everyone scanning the horizon, looking for the Eid crescent.

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 crescent with the naked eye is urged to come forward and report to the nearest court to have their testimony documented. This is the tradition we've grown up with, the one we hold onto, even if astronomical calculations might suggest otherwise. The Supreme Court has the final say, and it's the institution that consistently unifies the Muslim community in the land of the Two Holy Mosques.

Of course, everyone has a moon sighting app on their phone these days, and the debate is everywhere: Is Eid on Sunday or Monday? I'm not an expert, but based on past years, it's often the case that the crescent is visible. That usually means Sunday, March 22nd, would complete the 30 days of the month, making Monday, March 23rd, the first day of Eid. But that's just a prediction—God knows best. The final decision rests with those in charge, the Supreme Court, which will convene after Maghrib prayer to announce the official verdict.

And just to put it in perspective, look at other high courts around the world. The Supreme Court of India, for instance, or the Supreme Court of the United States, are always in the global spotlight for major constitutional cases. Even the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation carries its own weight and influence. In India, too, you have powerful courts like the Punjab and Haryana High Court Chandigarh serving millions of people. They are all supreme courts in their own right, but our Supreme Court here in Saudi Arabia has a unique character. It seamlessly blends the role of dispensing justice with a direct impact on people's daily lives and worship. That's something we take great pride in.

So, folks, get your gatherings ready, mark your calendars for Saturday night, and stay tuned to the news bulletins after Maghrib. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• The Big Day: Saturday, March 21, 2026 – the night everyone will be looking to the sky.
• The Final Authority: The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia. Its word is final.
• The Prediction: It could be either Sunday or Monday, but my personal bet is that Monday, March 23rd, will mark the start of Eid.

I pray that we all witness Eid and that our good deeds are accepted. Eid Mubarak to you all, and stay tuned for the official Supreme Court announcement in the coming hours.