Mon Mar 09 10:10:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Eid Al Fitr 2026 Expected on March 20th Based on Astronomical Calculations

The Story:
Astronomical calculations from the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology indicate that Ramadan in 1447 AH is likely to complete 30 days, placing Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026. The academy’s observatory determined that the crescent moon will not be visible on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, due to the moon setting before sunset. This suggests that Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be the final day of Ramadan. While the crescent moon will be about 14 hours old by sunset on March 19th, viewing conditions in the UAE are considered “critical,” making sighting extremely difficult, even with telescopes.

Despite the difficulty of local sighting, the observatory suggests the crescent may be observable in Arab and Islamic countries further west. This divergence in potential sighting explains why some nations may celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Saturday, March 21, 2026, based on their own physical observations.

Key Points:

  • Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026, based on astronomical calculations by the Sharjah Academy.
  • The crescent moon will not be visible in the UAE on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the traditional night for moon sighting.
  • Viewing conditions in the UAE on March 19, 2026 are deemed “critical” for sighting the crescent moon.
  • The crescent moon may be visible in some Arab and Islamic countries further west.
  • Some countries may mark the start of Shawwal on Saturday, March 21, 2026, depending on local observations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Astronomical calculations are increasingly used to predict Islamic holidays, even though physical moon sighting remains important for some communities.
  • Geographical location significantly affects the visibility of the crescent moon and, consequently, the timing of Eid celebrations.
  • The UAE relies on astronomical calculations as a primary source for determining the Eid Al Fitr date.
  • Potential differences in Eid Al Fitr dates across different Islamic countries highlight the ongoing debate between reliance on astronomical calculations versus physical moon sighting.
  • The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology plays a crucial role in providing astronomical data for religious observances in the UAE.

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