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Eid al-Fitr Confirmed for March 20, 2026

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia has confirmed Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026.
The date follows unsuccessful attempts to sight the Shawwal crescent moon, ending 30 days of fasting.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide with prayers, feasts, and family gatherings.
The date varies yearly because the lunar calendar requires visible crescent sighting to start Shawwal.

History

Historical Context

The Islamic calendar, established in 622 CE with the Hijra, is a lunar system that determines Islamic holidays, including Eid al-Fitr. This holiday, marking the end of Ramadan, is confirmed by moon sightings, a practice rooted in early Islamic tradition. The next Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on March 20, 2026, reflecting the ongoing significance of lunar cycles in Islamic culture.

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Story summary

Saudi Arabia has confirmed Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026.
The date follows unsuccessful attempts to sight the Shawwal crescent moon, ending 30 days of fasting.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide with prayers, feasts, and family gatherings.
The date varies yearly because the lunar calendar requires visible crescent sighting to start Shawwal.

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