The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has asked Muslims across the Kingdom to watch for the crescent moon of Shawwal on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

In an official announcement, the court requested that anyone who sees the crescent moon, either with the naked eye or by using binoculars, should immediately report it to the nearest court and officially register their testimony.

The court also advised people who see the moon to contact the nearest observation center so they can be guided or assisted in reaching the closest court if necessary.

Additionally, the Supreme Court encouraged people who are able to observe the moon to join the moon sighting committees that have been set up in different regions of the Kingdom. These committees help verify the sighting of the crescent moon.

According to the court, public participation in moon sighting is important because it helps ensure cooperation among Muslims and supports the accurate determination of the beginning of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan and marks the celebration of Eid.

If the crescent moon is seen on the evening of March 18, Eid will likely be celebrated on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

However, if the moon is not visible on March 18, the holy month of Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid will instead fall on Friday, March 20, 2026.

According to astronomical predictions, the crescent moon may be difficult to see on March 18, which means the festival could start on March 20 in many parts of the Arab world.

Despite these predictions, the final decision will only be made after official moon-sighting committees in Saudi Arabia verify reports from observers across the Kingdom. This verification process determines the official start of Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan.