Saudi Arabia Announces Eid Al-Fitr as Shawwal Crescent Moon is Sighted

Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid Al-Fitr will begin on Sunday, March 30, following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, the Saudi Supreme Court confirmed on Saturday. The sighting marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal.

Eid Prayers and Celebrations

Eid Al-Fitr, one of the most significant Islamic festivals, is celebrated for the first five days of Shawwal, bringing together families and communities for prayers, feasts, and gatherings. The Eid prayer will take place across Saudi Arabia on Sunday shortly after sunrise.

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh has directed the ministry’s branches to ensure that designated Eid prayer areas and mosques are fully prepared for worshippers. The Kingdom has 19,887 mosques and prayer areas where Eid prayers will be conducted. However, mosques adjacent to Eid prayer areas will remain closed to encourage residents to gather at the designated sites. Authorities have instructed that all necessary maintenance and cleaning be completed to provide a comfortable environment for worshippers.

Festive Preparations and Excitement

The announcement has ignited excitement across the Kingdom, with residents preparing for the festivities. Riyadh resident Maher Aldossary expressed his joy, saying, “The joy of Eid is already in the air. We are saying goodbye to the blessed days of Ramadan and eagerly welcoming Eid with open hearts.” He noted that families are busy selecting new clothes, collecting chocolates, and finalizing preparations for the traditional breakfast feast.

Samar Alwan, who is currently in Istanbul, described the festive atmosphere there. “Ramadan in Istanbul has been truly special, and part of me wishes it could last just one more day,” she said. “But now, the excitement for Eid is building. The streets are filled with lights, the markets are bustling, and everyone is getting ready, buying gifts, preparing sweets, and planning gatherings.”

In Jeddah, teacher Sami Hijazi shared how his family is fully immersed in preparations. “We have already taken down our Ramadan decorations and started setting up for Eid. The house is buzzing with activity—getting new clothes ironed, preparing treats for the kids, and ensuring everything is perfect,” he said.

Moon Sighting and Official Confirmation

The Supreme Court had earlier called on Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon on Saturday evening. Citizens and residents were encouraged to report any sightings, whether through the naked eye or binoculars, to the nearest court to register their testimony.

With the official confirmation now in place, Saudi Arabia is set to welcome Eid Al-Fitr with joyous celebrations, prayers, and gatherings, marking the end of a spiritually significant month and the beginning of a new festive season.