- The Saudi Arabian authorities have officially announced that Friday, March 20, 2026, will be the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
- The declaration follows the inability of moon-sighting committees to spot the new crescent moon on Wednesday evening, signaling the completion of the 30th day of Ramadan on Thursday.
- Millions of Nigerian Muslims are now awaiting the official declaration from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, to confirm the date for the festivities in Nigeria.
The Saudi Arabian religious authorities on Wednesday evening declared that the crescent moon of Shawwal was not sighted, meaning the month of Ramadan will last for 30 days.
Eko Hot Blog reports that consequently, Eid-el-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting, will be celebrated across the Kingdom on Friday, March 20, 2026.
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The official announcement was shared via the HaramainInfo social media handles, stating: “The crescent moon has NOT been sighted in Saudi Arabia.
Therefore, #EidAlFitr will be celebrated on Friday, 20th March 2026.” The announcement was accompanied by prayers for Muslims worldwide to utilize the final moments of Ramadan for spiritual growth and to witness many more years of the holy month in good health.
As is traditional, the declaration in Saudi Arabia serves as a major indicator for the global Muslim community.
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, is expected to make an official broadcast later tonight or tomorrow once the Nigerian National Moon Sighting Committee concludes its observations.
The Federal Government had earlier declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays to mark the festivities.
With Saudi Arabia’s confirmation of a Friday celebration, Nigerian civil servants and the general public are preparing for a long holiday weekend.
Eid-el-Fitr is a period of significant spiritual and social importance, characterized by communal prayers, the giving of Zakat-ul-Fitr (charity), and festive gatherings with family and friends.
