RIYADH – In an atmosphere of spiritual anticipation, the Saudi Royal Court, based on the resolution of the Supreme Court, officially announced that Friday will be the final day of the holy month of Ramadan. Consequently, Saturday, March 21, 2026, will mark the first day of Eid Al-Fitr and the beginning of the month of Shawwal.

The Sighting Process: Precision and Tradition
The decision followed rigorous sighting attempts at the Kingdom's primary observatories, including Sudair, Tumair, and Al-Hariq. Our portal’s exclusive monitoring from the heart of these stations revealed that despite the use of advanced digital imaging and optical telescopes, the Shawwal crescent was not visible to the naked eye or through lenses.

Observers attributed the non-sighting to specific astronomical characteristics of the moon's position at sunset, coupled with atmospheric factors such as suspended dust particles in certain regions. This outcome underscores Saudi Arabia's strict Sharia-based methodology, which mandates a definitive, doubt-free visual confirmation (Ru’yah) as the legal basis for declaring the new lunar month.

Science Meets Sharia
While technical reports from the Jeddah Astronomy Society indicated the astronomical birth of the new moon, the Supreme Court maintained its consistent principle: scientific data serves as a guide, but the legal "witnessing" (Shahada) remains the ultimate authority. This blend of traditional observation and modern technology is what grants the Saudi sighting process its unique global credibility.

Congratulations to the Kingdom
On this blessed occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Crown Prince, and the Saudi people. As Ramadan concludes its 30-day term, we pray that Almighty Allah accepts the fasting and good deeds of all believers.

Eid Mubarak to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the entire Islamic world.