BREAKING: Saudi Arabia declares Eid al-Fitr on Sunday after crescent moon sighting

Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, March 30, following the confirmed sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening.

This marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. The Saudi Supreme Court had earlier urged Muslims to look for the new moon, with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) confirming its sighting.

With this declaration, worshippers in Mecca and Medina are set to gather for special Eid prayers and celebrations, marking the start of Shawwal 1446 AH.

While Saudi Arabia will observe Eid on Sunday, some countries, including Malaysia, Australia, Brunei, and Indonesia, have scheduled their celebrations for Monday, March 31, as the moon was not sighted in those regions.

Eid al-Fitr, known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a major Islamic celebration centered around prayers, feasting, and charity. Muslims gather in mosques and open spaces to offer special prayers, exchange greetings, and share festive meals.

The Islamic (Hijri) calendar follows lunar cycles, with each month beginning upon the sighting of the new moon. Shawwal, the tenth month of the Hijri calendar, follows Ramadan and is a time of spiritual renewal and gratitude for Muslims worldwide.

As different countries await their own moon sightings, Muslim communities globally prepare to mark the occasion in accordance with their respective traditions.