Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt has officially declared the start of Eid al-Fitr after the Shawwal crescent moon was sighted on Thursday evening, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a formal statement, Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah confirmed that its religious and scientific committees successfully observed the crescent moon following sunset on March 19, 2026. The sighting was conducted through coordinated efforts across multiple observation points nationwide, adhering to established religious and astronomical procedures.
Based on the verified visual sighting, the authority announced that Friday, March 20, 2026, will be the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, and therefore the first day of Eid al-Fitr in Egypt.
The announcement brings Ramadan to a close after a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by millions across the country. Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant holidays in Islam, is traditionally marked by communal prayers, family gatherings, and charitable giving.
In its statement, the institution extended congratulations to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, wishing him continued health and success. It also conveyed greetings to the Egyptian people, as well as to leaders and citizens across the Arab and Islamic world, expressing hopes for peace, prosperity, and stability.
Religious authorities across the Muslim world often rely on a combination of moon sighting and astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of Shawwal, leading at times to slight variations in the date of Eid between countries. Egypt’s announcement aligns with several other nations that confirmed the moon sighting on the same evening.
The declaration was issued by Egypt’s Grand Mufti, Nazir Mohamed Ayad, from Cairo, underscoring the country’s longstanding role in religious scholarship and guidance within the Islamic world.
