When Will Ramadan 1447 AH End Based On Moon Sighting

[Adelola Malik]

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Today is Friday, the 24th of Ramadan 1447 AH, corresponding to 13 March 2026. Muslims around the world are approaching the final days of the blessed month of Ramadan, a time filled with fasting, prayer, charity, and seeking forgiveness from Allah.

According to the Islamic calendar, the 29th day of Ramadan 1447 AH will fall on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. On the evening of that day, Muslims will observe the sky to sight the crescent moon that signals the beginning of the next Islamic month, Shawwal.

If the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of Wednesday, 18 March 2026, then Ramadan will end on that day. Consequently, the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr will be on Thursday, 19 March 2026.

However, if the crescent moon is not sighted due to clouds or other reasons, Ramadan will complete thirty days. In that case, Muslims will continue fasting on Thursday, 19 March 2026, and Eid al-Fitr will then be observed on Friday, 20 March 2026.

This ruling is based on the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regarding the beginning and ending of lunar months. Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Fast when you see the new moon and break your fast when you see the new moon. If clouds prevent you from seeing it, then complete thirty days." This hadith is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Islamic scholars also emphasize that moon sighting should be based on reliable observation within each region or country. This means that Muslims in one country should follow their own confirmed moon sighting or official announcement rather than automatically following the sighting of another country.

This principle is supported by the narration of Kurayb, in which Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما explained that the people of different lands may begin or end fasting based on their own sightings. This practice was in accordance with the command of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and scholars such as Imam al-Tirmidhi noted that the people of knowledge act upon this tradition.

May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds during this blessed month. May He forgive our sins, grant relief to those facing hardship, bring peace to the world, forgive our deceased, and grant us entry into Jannah without reckoning. Ameen.