RIYADH (Kashmir English): The Shawwal moon has not been sighted in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, and Eid-ul-Fitr 1447 AH will be observed on Friday, March 20, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According to the Saudi Supreme Court, the crescent of Shawwal 1447 AH was not sighted anywhere in Saudi Arabia today.
With this announcement, the month of Ramadan will complete 30 days tomorrow, and Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and other Gulf nations also reported that the Shawwal moon was not sighted and that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Friday.
Eid-ul-Fitr moon sighting
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) predicted that the Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 moon is unlikely to be seen on March 19, meaning that Eid will fall on March 21.
As per details, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on March 19 to sight the Shawwal moon, which determines the date of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Suparco, however, said that the chances of sighting the Shawwal moon on March 19 remain low, adding that the new moon was expected to be born on March 19 at 6:23 am.
The statement added, “At the time of sunset on March 19, 2026, the age of the new moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, with an estimated 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt.”
The commission had said the prediction was based on scientific calculations and observations, but had emphasised that the relevant religious authority would make the official announcement.
“The final decision regarding the sighting of the Shawwal crescent and the commencement of Eid-ul-Fitr 1447 AH would be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan, which is the sole competent authority to announce the beginning of Islamic months on credible witness testimonies and verified observations from across the country,” the statement said.
Federal govt Eid holidays
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially declared Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21, as public holidays across Pakistan to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Sunday.
The notification serves as a continuation of the earlier holiday circular from January 19.
“In continuation of Cabinet Division’s circular dated 19 January 2026 specifying public and optional holidays for the year 2026, the Prime Minister has been pleased to declare 20th and 21st March (Friday and Saturday) as public holidays on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, both for offices observing 5-day and 6-day working weeks,” read the notification.
The decision ensures a unified break for all government employees, applying to offices that observe both five-day and six-day working weeks.
The notification effectively declares a four-day-long weekend for the citizens of the federal capital.
