Islamic Authorities in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria Announce Friday Start for Eid-el-Fitr Following Crescent Observation

Sultan of Sokoto and Saudi authorities declare Friday, March 20, 2026, as Eid-el-Fitr. Muslims to complete 30 days of Ramadan after moon is not sighted.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 6:05 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Independent Newspapers

Global Coordination on Lunar Observations

The religious landscape of the Middle East and West Africa reached a consensus on Wednesday regarding the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. Authorities in Saudi Arabia initiated the global announcement by confirming that the expected crescent moon had not been sighted, a development that dictates the extension of the fasting period. This declaration, disseminated through the official HaraminInfo platforms, established the theological framework for millions of practitioners worldwide. The absence of a verified sighting on the 29th day of the lunar month necessitates the completion of a full 30-day cycle, ensuring that the transition to the month of Shawwal aligns with traditional Islamic jurisprudence and astronomical realities.

The Sultanate Council Technical Verification

In Nigeria, the Leader of Muslims and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, echoed the global findings following a rigorous local verification process. The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working in tandem with the National Moon Sighting Committee, reported that no credible accounts of the new moon were received from across the federation. According to a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto, the Sultan accepted these technical findings as the basis for his national directive. This coordinated effort between religious scholars and local observers is designed to maintain communal unity and ensure that the end of the fast is observed simultaneously across Nigeria’s diverse geographical zones.

Theological Adherence to the Lunar Calendar

The decision to extend the fasting period into Thursday is rooted in specific Islamic injunctions derived from the Qur’an and Hadith. These texts mandate that if the moon remains obscured on the 29th evening, the month of Ramadan must be rounded up to 30 days. As a result, Thursday, March 19, 2026, has been designated as the final day of the fast for the 1447AH lunar year. This procedural adherence ensures that the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr occurs on the first day of the new month, Shawwal, maintaining the integrity of the Hijri calendar. The announcement provides clear guidance to the Muslim Ummah, removing any ambiguity regarding the timing of the impending festivities.