Muslims in South Africa will celebrate Eid ul-Fitr on Saturday, following the lack of a confirmed crescent moon sighting to mark the end of Ramadan. The observance comes as the Islamic fasting month is drawing to a close, with differing start dates announced in Saudi Arabia.
Eid ul-Fitr Observance in South Africa and Saudi Arabia
The United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) announced on their Facebook account that Ramadan 1447 will end on Friday, March 20th, 2026. Consequently, the first day of Shawwal 1447, and therefore Eid-ul-Fitr, will be observed on Saturday, March 21st, 2026.
In contrast, authorities in Saudi Arabia have announced that the Eid ul-Fitr holiday will begin on Friday, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia determined that Thursday marks the completion of the 30th day of Ramadan.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring observant Muslims to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sex during daylight hours. Muslims are also encouraged to donate to the poor during this time.
Fasting during Ramadan is widely practiced throughout the Muslim world, particularly in Saudi Arabia, home to the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
This year’s Ramadan festivities have been overshadowed by the ongoing war in the Middle East, triggered by attacks involving the US and Israel and Iran. The Gulf region has experienced repeated strikes by Iran targeting airports, residential areas, energy installations, and military bases with ballistic missiles and drones.
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