Saudi Arabia Calls on Muslims to Observe Shawwal Crescent on March 18

A member of the moon sighting committee uses a telescope to view the moon ahead of Ramadan to mark the beginning of the holy fasting month in Tumair, Saudi Arabia April 1, 2022. (File photo: Reuters)

RIYADH, March 16, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court on Monday called on Muslims across the Kingdom to observe the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447 AH according to the Umm Al-Qura calendar.

In an official announcement, the court urged anyone who sights the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars to report the sighting to the nearest court and register their testimony.

The Supreme Court also asked those who are able to observe the crescent to participate in the official moon-sighting committees formed across different regions of the Kingdom.

The announcement follows the court’s earlier decision confirming that Wednesday, February 18, 2026 marked the first day of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH.

Authorities encourage cooperation in the sighting process to help determine the start of Shawwal, which signals the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid Al-Fitr.