Ramadan expected to complete 30 days; Eid al-Fitr likely on March 20

2026-03-08 - 11:36

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center has indicated that the holy month of Ramadan is expected to complete 30 days this year, as astronomical calculations show that the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal will not be visible on the designated observation day. According to the center, astronomical data suggests that the crescent moon cannot be sighted on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Ramadan. The center explained that precise calculations and the astronomical map prepared by its specialists show that the moon will set before sunset over Kuwait and most parts of the world on that day, making the sighting of the crescent astronomically impossible. It further noted that the conjunction – the birth of the new crescent – is expected to occur at approximately 4:23 a.m. Kuwait time on Thursday, March 19, which is after sunset on the observation day, confirming that the crescent cannot be seen that evening. Based on these astronomical indicators, Ramadan is expected to last the full 30 days, with Thursday, March 19, likely to be the final day of the fasting month and Friday, March 20 anticipated to mark the first day of Eid al-Fitr. The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center emphasized that the official announcement regarding the start of the Hijri month of Shawwal and the date of Eid will ultimately be made by the competent authorities in the country in accordance with the approved Sharia moon-sighting procedures.