Eid al-Fitr is anticipated to be celebrated either on March 19 or 20, 2026, following the lunar Islamic calendar which determines the exact date based on the sighting of the moon.
As Ramadan approaches its conclusion, Muslims worldwide eagerly await the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, though confusion often surrounds its date. This uncertainty arises from the fact that the date is determined by the sighting of the moon, contributing to differing observances. According to the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, following the fasting month of Ramadan.
The Islamic calendar operates on a lunar basis, resulting in a year that typically encompasses only 354 days, approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar widely used globally. This discrepancy causes Islamic festivals, including Eid, to shift earlier each year when measured against the Gregorian calendar. Ramadan, recognized as the ninth month of the Hijri calendar, precedes Shawwal, which marks the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Experts suggest that in 2026, Ramadan is expected to commence on Wednesday, February 18, which will influence the festivities of Eid at the end of the month. Muslims observe fasts during Ramadan and eagerly await the sighting of the moon on the last day to confirm the date for Eid al-Fitr, emphasizing the spiritual significance of this period.
