The Saudi Supreme Court announced on Saturday that the crescent moon for Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan, has been sighted in the Kingdom. This signals the start of Eid Al-Fitr, which will begin on Sunday, March 30.
Eid Al-Fitr, celebrated during the first five days of Shawwal, will include special prayers held across Saudi Arabia shortly after sunrise on Sunday. Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh, has instructed that the Eid prayer be held in all designated Eid prayer areas and mosques, except those next to Eid areas where residents will use local prayer grounds. Authorities have been directed to ensure all locations are properly maintained and prepared for a peaceful and comfortable experience. There are currently 19,887 mosques and prayer areas across the Kingdom.
In a message on Saturday evening, King Salman offered heartfelt congratulations to the people of Saudi Arabia and Muslims worldwide on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. He expressed gratitude for the blessings Allah has granted the Kingdom, including the “honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating the pilgrimage safely for millions of worshippers.”
“We thank Allah for enabling millions of pilgrims to perform Umrah and visit the holy sites during Ramadan,” the King said. “Eid is a day of joy, where compassion and unity shine,” he added, quoting a verse from the Quran: “And to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Allah for guiding you, so that you may be thankful.”
King Salman concluded by praying for peace, security, and prosperity for the Kingdom, the Islamic world, and the entire globe.
Earlier, the Supreme Court called on Muslims to look for the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening and report their sightings to the nearest court. Ramadan began on March 1.
