Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on March 20, 2026, in the United Kingdom, marking the end of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting and prayer. This announcement follows the recent news that the crescent moon for Shawwal was not sighted on March 18, 2026.

If the crescent moon is not observed on March 19, Ramadan will complete its full 30 days, leading to Eid celebrations the following day. Eid prayers are typically held shortly after sunrise, with specific times varying by location. In London, the Eid prayer is scheduled between 6:45 AM and 7:00 AM, while in Birmingham, it is set for 6:50 AM to 7:00 AM. Manchester and Leeds will hold prayers from 6:55 AM to 7:05 AM, and Glasgow’s prayers are planned for 7:00 AM to 7:10 AM.

Approximately 3.9 million Muslims reside in the UK, and the observance of Eid al-Fitr is a significant event for many communities. In 2025, Eid al-Fitr was celebrated on March 30 in the UK, illustrating the variability of the Islamic calendar, which is based on lunar cycles.

The Islamic calendar’s reliance on moon sightings means that the exact date of Eid al-Fitr can differ across various communities. As such, details remain unconfirmed until the crescent moon is sighted. The importance of Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation given before Eid prayers, further emphasizes the communal aspects of the celebration.

As the date approaches, many are eagerly awaiting confirmation of the moon sighting, which will finalize the celebration plans. The anticipation is palpable, with many reflecting on the significance of Eid al-Fitr as a time for family, community, and gratitude.

“Eid Al Fitr is on Friday, 20 March 2026,” stated a representative from the local Islamic authority. This announcement has been met with excitement and preparation among the Muslim community in the UK.

In summary, while Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on March 20, 2026, the final confirmation will depend on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, a tradition that holds deep cultural and religious significance.

The post Is it Eid today? Eid al-Fitr is expected on March 20, 2026 appeared first on cottenhamnews.

Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on March 21, 2026, in Pakistan, marking the conclusion of a month dedicated to fasting, reflection, and charity during Ramadan. This significant Islamic holiday is celebrated after the month of Ramadan ends, which in 2026 begins on February 19.

Moon Sighting and Ramadan

The Islamic calendar is lunar, meaning that months last either 29 or 30 days, with their start and end determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. In 2026, the new moon of Shawwal is anticipated to be born on March 19. However, the chances of sighting the Shawwal crescent on that evening are considered low, according to Suparco, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission of Pakistan.

Crescent Moon Details

On the evening of March 19, the age of the new moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes at sunset. This timing is critical as it influences the announcement of Eid al-Fitr, which is determined by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Pakistan. The exact date of Eid al-Fitr may vary based on the sighting of the moon, leaving some uncertainty in the air.

Holiday Observances in Dubai

In the United Arab Emirates, public sector employees will enjoy a four-day holiday from March 19 to March 22, 2026, aligning with the federal holiday for Eid al-Fitr. Government offices in Dubai will reopen on March 23, while private sector workers will have a holiday from March 19 to March 21. This holiday schedule reflects the significance of Eid al-Fitr in the region.

Significance of Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month characterized by fasting from dawn until sunset, increased prayer, and charitable acts. It is a time for families and communities to come together in celebration, sharing meals and exchanging gifts. The holiday emphasizes gratitude and compassion, core tenets of the Islamic faith.

Looking Ahead

As the date approaches, many Muslims in Pakistan and around the world will prepare for the festivities associated with Eid al-Fitr. Observers will be keenly watching for the moon sighting on March 19, which will confirm the exact date of the celebration. Details remain unconfirmed, and the anticipation builds as communities look forward to this important occasion.

The post When is Eid 2026? appeared first on cottenhamnews.

Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected to be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, for countries that began Ramadan on February 18. This date is contingent upon the visibility of the Shawwal crescent moon, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid festivities.

For those countries that commenced Ramadan a day later, on February 19, 2026, Eid may be declared on Saturday, March 21, 2026, due to crescent visibility issues. The Shawwal crescent moon will not be visible on March 18, making it impossible to declare Eid on that day.

The UAE federal government has announced that the holiday for Eid Al Fitr will extend from March 19 to March 22, 2026. In Saudi Arabia, the Eid Al Fitr holiday will commence at the end of the workday on March 18, allowing citizens to prepare for the celebrations.

On March 19, 2026, the crescent moon is expected to set 29 minutes after sunset in Abu Dhabi, while visibility will be extremely difficult and may require a telescope. In Riyadh, the moon will set 30 minutes after sunset, and in Amman and Jerusalem, it will set 36 minutes after sunset. These timings highlight the challenges in determining the exact date for Eid based on lunar observations.

Countries where Ramadan began on February 18 are expected to complete a full 30 days of fasting, which is a significant aspect of the Islamic tradition. The observance of Eid Al Fitr is a time for communal prayers, feasting, and giving to charity, marking the end of a month of fasting and reflection.

In Bangladesh, the government has declared March 18, 2026, a public holiday, indicating that the country may align its celebrations with those observing Eid on that date. This decision reflects the importance of the holiday across different regions and cultures.

As the date approaches, observers are keenly awaiting the official announcements regarding the moon sighting and the final confirmation of Eid celebrations. Details remain unconfirmed, and variations in the observance of Eid Al Fitr highlight the diverse practices within the Muslim community.

The post When is eid 2026 appeared first on cottenhamnews.

Ramadan is set to end after sundown on March 19, 2026, marking the conclusion of a month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. This year, Ramadan began on the evening of February 17, 2026, and will culminate with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, expected to begin the evening of March 19.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, which involves refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours. In New York and New Jersey, for instance, the first day of fasting will last approximately 12 hours, starting with suhoor at 5:30 a.m. and concluding with iftar at 5:35 p.m. By the last day of Ramadan, fasting will extend to about 13 hours and 20 minutes, with suhoor expected at 5:46 a.m. and iftar at 7:06 p.m.

The exact dates of Ramadan can vary each year, as they are determined by the sightings of the crescent moon. This lunar calendar system causes the start and end dates of Ramadan to shift earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. As a result, the experience of Ramadan can differ significantly from year to year, impacting the duration of daily fasting.

Historically, Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month during which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago. This sacred period is not only a time for fasting but also for spiritual reflection, prayer, and community. Muslims are also required to give a donation known as Zakat al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan, which supports those in need and ensures that everyone can partake in the Eid celebrations.

As Ramadan approaches its conclusion, communities around the world prepare for Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday that celebrates the end of fasting. The day is marked by communal prayers, feasting, and giving of gifts. Observers expect that the celebrations will be vibrant and meaningful, as families come together to mark the end of this holy month.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timing of Eid al-Fitr, as it is contingent upon the sighting of the moon. This uncertainty adds an element of anticipation for many Muslims, who look forward to the joyous celebrations that follow the month of fasting.

As the end of Ramadan approaches, many Muslims reflect on the spiritual growth and discipline they have cultivated during this month. The conclusion of Ramadan not only signifies the end of fasting but also serves as a reminder of the importance of charity, community, and faith in their lives.

The post When Does Ramadan End? appeared first on cottenhamnews.