Muslims across the world gathered for Eid ul Fitr 2026, to mark the end of Ramadan – commemorating it with prayers, gifts, plus giving and sharing huge feasts with family and friends.
Also known as the 'festival of breaking the fast', held once Ramadan is completed, it saw millions of people across the globe witness Ramadan’s ends when the crescent moon was sighted - signalling the beginning of the next month, Shawwal. Eid ul Fitr 2026 was announced as being yesterday (Friday, March 20), in Saudi Arabia after officials in the kingdom unsuccessfully attempted to sight the new crescent moon on Wednesday.
The date of the holy festival was determined by the sighting of the crescent of a new moon, which Muslims traditionally look for on day 29 of Ramadan. Centred around family gatherings and festive meals, traditional dishes and sweets being shared, children received gifts or money, often known as “Eidi,” while many adults exchanged presents or visit relatives they may not have seen during the Holy Month.
The New Crescent Society, a British grassroots astronomy network founded in 2016 by Imad Ahmed, which celebrates the relationship between astronomy, faith and Islam, said: "Our UK moon sighters searched for the moon on Thursday 19 March.
“We expect Eid to be today (Saturday 21 March). However, there was a chance that Muslims in the UK saw the moon (with perfect weather conditions) yesterday.
“Seeing such a moon would break a record for us - and we will try our best."
With the new crescent moon now sighted, Eid al-Fitr also marks the first day of the month of Shawwal 1447 AH.
