The Crescent Sighting Committee at Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has called on Muslims nationwide to observe the horizon for the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday evening, March 18, 2026. This sighting will determine the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid Al Fitr. Witnesses are requested to report sightings to the ministry’s premises in Al Dafna, where the committee will convene after Maghreb prayer to verify reports and officially announce the holiday.
Key Takeaways:
- Qatar’s religious authority calls for crescent moon sighting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
- Reports must be made to the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Al Dafna.
- The committee will meet after Maghreb prayer to verify sightings and declare Eid.
- The announcement aligns with a similar call from Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court.
Official Verification Process Commences After Sunset
The Crescent Sighting Committee will gather immediately following the Maghreb prayer on Wednesday to examine and authenticate any reported sightings of the new moon. This formal verification is the final step required to confirm the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal and, consequently, the Eid Al Fitr celebrations, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan for millions of Muslims.
Regional Coordination for Holiday Declaration
The call from Doha coincides with an identical request from Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court, which also urged Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the crescent on Wednesday evening. According to the Umm Al Qura calendar, Wednesday corresponds to the 29th of Ramadan 1447 AH, making it the expected night for the moon’s appearance and fostering regional unity in determining the religious holiday.
Oman Schedules Sighting for Following Evening
While Qatar and Saudi Arabia focus on Wednesday, the Main Committee for Moon Sighting in Oman will convene on Thursday evening to observe the crescent moon for the start of Shawwal. Omani citizens and residents are similarly asked to look for the crescent and report their findings, highlighting the slight variations in moon-sighting practices that can occur across different nations.
