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Cover Photos : Photo by nousnou iwasaki
Every year, more than two billion Muslims around the world look to the sky for the same answer: is Ramadan over?
The answer does not come from a calendar. It comes from the moon.
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and begins with the sighting of the Shawwal crescent. When religious authorities confirm the crescent has been sighted, or that 30 full days have been completed, Eid begins.
This year, the Shawwal moon was not visible on March 18. Saudi Arabia confirmed the crescent could not be seen, completing Ramadan's full 30 days. The Gulf followed. UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain all announced Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026. Indonesia joined them. Singapore confirmed Saturday, March 21.
Why the date changes every year
The Islamic calendar is lunar, running approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Each month begins only when the crescent moon becomes visible to the naked eye. This means Ramadan arrives earlier each solar year, rotating through all seasons over a 33-year cycle.
Geography matters too. A crescent visible in Riyadh may not yet be visible in Kuala Lumpur. Weather, horizon clarity and latitude all affect the sighting.
The sky this Eid
This year carries something rare. The Shawwal crescent rises alongside Venus, the brightest object in the evening sky after the sun and moon, coinciding with the spring equinox. A quiet convergence of celestial markers at the close of the month of spiritual discipline.
When countries celebrate
Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain mark Eid on Friday, March 20. Indonesia also celebrates on March 20. Singapore observes it on Saturday, March 21.
Eid Mubarak.
FAQ
When is Eid Al Fitr 2026? Gulf countries and Indonesia celebrate on March 20, 2026. Singapore observes it on March 21, 2026.
How is the end of Ramadan determined? By the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon. If the moon is not visible on the 29th night, Ramadan completes 30 days and Eid follows the next morning.
Why does Eid fall on different dates each year? The Islamic calendar is lunar, approximately 10 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, so Eid shifts earlier every year.
