Saudi Arabia has declared Friday as Eid-ul-Fitr following the non-sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal.
Authorities in the Kingdom confirmed that the moon was not sighted, indicating that Ramadan will last 30 days this year.
With the development, Muslims in the Kingdom will observe the full 30 days of fasting before celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday.
“The Crescent of month of Shawwal 1447 was NOT SIGHTED anywhere in the Kingdom today, subsequently the month of Ramadan will complete 30 days tomorrow and Eid Al Fitr will be on Friday,” @insharifain, a popular Saudi-based online resource outfit, posted on X on Thursday.
In Nigeria, the official date for Eid-ul-Fitr will be announced by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
Tribune Online reports that the Sultan of Sokoto had earlier urged Muslims to begin the search for the crescent moon that will signal the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal.
The call was contained in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu.
“Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, has been designated for the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal.
“The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs urges Muslims across the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal on Wednesday,” the statement said.
The council added that any Muslim who sights the crescent should report it to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan for official confirmation.
