As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world are preparing for Eid Al Fitr 2026, with astronomical calculations indicating that many countries will celebrate the festival on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Why Eid Falls on Friday in Many Countries
According to astronomical experts, the Shawwal crescent moon – which marks the end of Ramadan – will be impossible to sight on Wednesday, March 18th. This means that countries that began Ramadan on February 18 will complete 30 days of fasting, making Friday, March 20 the first day of Eid.
While moon sighting remains the official method of determining Eid, these predictions strongly suggest a unified Friday celebration across much of the world.
Countries Expected to Celebrate Eid on Friday
The following countries are expected to observe Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026:
Middle East & Gulf Countries
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Oman
These countries typically follow similar moon-sighting criteria and began Ramadan on the same date, aligning their Eid celebrations.
Other Regions Likely to Follow Friday
- Most countries in West Asia
- Parts of North and Central Africa
- Some regions in Europe
- North America (where moon visibility is expected to be clearer)
Astronomers note that in some of these regions, the crescent may even be visible with telescopes or, in certain cases, the naked eye on Thursday evening.
Countries Likely to Celebrate Eid on Saturday
Not all countries will observe Eid on the same day. Nations that rely on local moon sightings, especially in South Asia, are expected to celebrate a day later.
These include:
- South Africa
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
In these countries, Eid is likely to fall on Saturday, March 21st, depending on when the moon is sighted locally.
A Global Yet Diverse Celebration
Eid Al Fitr marks the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, and is celebrated worldwide with prayers, charity, and festive gatherings.
While differences in moon sighting may lead to varying dates, the essence of Eid remains the same – bringing together communities in celebration after a month of fasting and reflection.
