The Jordanian Fatwa Offices to Open for Eid Al-Fitr Moon Sighting Some countries to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr on Friday

His Eminence, the Grand Mufti of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Ahmad Al-Hasanat, called on citizens to observe the crescent of Shawwal 1447 AH on Thursday, 29 Ramadan 1447 AH, corresponding to March 19, 2026. The Fatwa Department confirmed that its offices across the kingdom will be open to receive testimonies regarding the moon sighting.

In a related context, the International Astronomy Center announced the expected date of Eid Al-Fitr in Jordan and Arab countries based on astronomical calculations for Shawwal.

The center's director, Engineer Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, explained that some countries began Ramadan on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and will observe the crescent on Wednesday, March 18. Other countries, including Jordan, started Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, and will observe the crescent on Thursday, March 19, corresponding to 29 Ramadan there.

Countries observing the crescent on Wednesday, March 18 Astronomical calculations confirm that the crescent will not be visible on this day, due to the moon setting before sunset and conjunction occurring after sunset. Thus, Ramadan will complete 30 days in these countries, making Eid Al-Fitr Friday, March 20.

Countries observing the crescent on Thursday, March 19 For countries observing the crescent on Thursday, including Jordan, calculations indicate that the sighting is very difficult. It is hard to see from the eastern parts of the world, possible with difficulty using a telescope in Western Asia and parts of North and Central Africa, very difficult to see with the naked eye in Western Europe and Western Africa, and easier in most areas of North America. Most of these countries are expected to announce Eid Al-Fitr on Friday, March 20.

Due to the difficulty of sighting the crescent in wide areas of the Islamic world, especially in the east and central regions, some countries may declare that the crescent was not confirmed on Thursday, making Eid Al-Fitr on Saturday, March 21.