Muslims worldwide await the critical Shawwal crescent moon sighting on the evening of March 18, 2026, to confirm the end of Ramadan 1447 AH and the start of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has urged citizens across the Kingdom to observe the faint crescent after sunset around 6:15-6:30 PM local time (9:45-10:00 PM IST), reporting any sightings to local committees or courts.

Astronomical calculations suggest the moon may not be visible on March 18 due to insufficient age and alignment, potentially extending Ramadan to 30 days. If sighted, Eid al-Fitr would begin on Thursday, March 19; otherwise, it falls on Friday, March 20 in Saudi Arabia and fellow Gulf states.

In the United Arab Emirates, moon-sighting efforts align closely with Saudi Arabia, with committees expected to scan the skies on March 18 or 19. Predictions indicate visibility around 6:20 PM local time on March 19, paving the way for Eid on March 20 if confirmed, marked by special prayers, family feasts, and charity. UAE authorities emphasize community participation in sightings to ensure accuracy.

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South Asian nations like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh often follow sightings a day later due to regional visibility differences. In India, committees will look on March 20 evening; if sighted, Eid would be March 21, featuring traditional sweets, congregational prayers, and communal joy. This one-day variance is common, reflecting local lunar observations over global uniformity.

Eid al-Fitr, known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," caps a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayer, and reflection during Ramadan. Families exchange greetings, share meals like sheer khurma, and give Zakat al-Fitr to the needy, embodying gratitude and renewal. The lunar Islamic calendar, shifting 10-11 days earlier yearly against the Gregorian, underscores moon sighting's enduring role despite modern astronomy.

As of March 18 afternoon, no official confirmations have emerged, with live updates anticipated post-sunset from Saudi and UAE bodies. Devout observers prepare for either March 19 or 20, blending anticipation with spiritual closure amid global Muslim unity.

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