Saudi Supreme Court calls on Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the Shawwal moon

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), according to Al Arabiya.

The date corresponds to the 29th day of Ramadan in the Islamic year 1447.

The sighting of the Shawwal crescent will determine the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr in Saudi Arabia. If the moon is sighted on Wednesday evening, Eid will be observed the following day; otherwise, Ramadan will complete 30 days.

The Saudi Supreme Court urged anyone who sights the crescent -- whether with the naked eye or using binoculars -- to report it to the nearest court and register their testimony, or contact the nearest centre for assistance.

It also encouraged those capable of sighting the moon to join official moon-sighting committees formed across the Kingdom, saying such participation contributes to collective efforts and benefits the wider Muslim community.