Authorities in Bahrain have indicated that the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration this year is likely to fall on Friday, 20 March, based on astronomical calculations and the Islamic tradition of crescent moon sighting. The announcement offers guidance to residents across the Gulf nation and to Muslim communities observing Ramadan in neighbouring countries.
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Crescent Moon Determines Islamic Months
In Islamic practice, the beginning of a new lunar month is confirmed through the sighting of the new crescent moon. Accordingly, the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal—marked by Eid-ul-Fitr—depend on whether the crescent is visible on the 29th day of fasting.
This year, Ramadan is expected to last 30 days, a projection supported by both astronomical calculations and observations earlier in the month.
Scientific Basis for the Prediction
Speaking to News of Bahrain on Sunday, Dr Wahib Al Nasser, Vice President of the Bahrain Astronomical Society and Professor of Applied Physics, explained that on Wednesday, 18 March, committees across the Gulf region will convene at sunset to attempt sighting the crescent of Shawwal.
Dr Al Nasser added that, according to astronomical computations, the new moon’s conjunction will occur at 04:05 am (Makkah time) on Thursday, 19 March. As a result, the crescent will not be visible on the evening of 18 March, making it highly probable that Ramadan will extend to a full 30 days.
He further noted that following Thursday’s sunset, the crescent should be clearly visible in Bahrain, appearing roughly 6 degrees above the western horizon and remaining visible for about 30 minutes, creating favourable conditions for scientific observation.
Dr Al Nasser also pointed out that earlier observations of the moon, particularly during the full moon phase, indicated that Ramadan would likely reach its full 30-day duration, reinforcing this prediction.
Key Dates and Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Ramadan 29th Day | Wednesday, 18 March 2026 |
| Astronomical Conjunction of Shawwal Moon | Thursday, 19 March 2026, 04:05 am (Makkah time) |
| Crescent Visibility | Thursday evening, 19 March 2026, ~6° above western horizon, ~30 minutes |
| Likely Eid-ul-Fitr | Friday, 20 March 2026 |
| Observing Authority | Bahrain Astronomical Society |
| Key Expert | Dr Wahib Al Nasser, VP, Applied Physics Professor |
Observational Significance
Muslims in Bahrain and surrounding regions often rely on both scientific calculations and local moon-sighting committees to confirm the exact day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The integration of modern astronomy with traditional observation ensures that religious observances align precisely with the lunar calendar.
As communities prepare for the culmination of Ramadan, authorities emphasise that official confirmation of Eid will follow after local sighting, in keeping with Islamic tradition, while scientific guidance continues to support accurate determination of the lunar months.