When Is the 2026 Eid al-Fitr Going to Happen? Here is What We Know
- Islamic scholars, explained that Eid al-Fitr marked the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting from dawn to sunset
- Religious experts, said the 2026 Eid al-Fitr was expected on 19th or 20th March, depending on the moon sighting
- Community leaders, highlighted that the festival involved prayers, charity, family gatherings and traditional celebrations
Eid al-Fitr is the Islamic festival that signifies the end of Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
The celebration is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar, bringing together communities for prayer, feasting and family gatherings.
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Eid al-Fitr: Possible dates for 2026
In 2026, Eid al-Fitr is expected to be observed on either Thursday, March 19, or Friday, March 20, depending on the sighting of the moon. The exact date is confirmed based on the lunar calendar, which Islamic months follow, Independent News reported.
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According to experts:
“The date of Eid is determined by the sighting of the new moon, and it may vary by a day depending on local observations,” explaining why different countries sometimes celebrate on different days.
How the festival is celebrated
Eid al-Fitr is officially a one-day festival, but in many Muslim-majority countries, celebrations can continue for several days. On the day, Muslims typically attend special Eid prayers, give charity to the needy, visit family and friends, and enjoy traditional foods.
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The festival is a reminder of spiritual discipline and gratitude after a month of fasting. Beyond prayer and charity, it is an occasion for sharing meals, wearing new clothes, and celebrating with family and friends. Many also use the day to remember the less fortunate and perform acts of kindness.
Eid al-Fitr continues to be one of the most cherished celebrations among Muslims worldwide, marking both the end of Ramadan and the beginning of a period of festivity and reflection, The Cable reported.
Ramadan: 10 common mistakes Muslims must avoid
Legit.ng earlier reported that every year, many Muslim faithfuls celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, and several weeks into 2026, an official report confirmed the start of fasting in Nigeria.
As Ramadan begins on 18 February 2026, Legit.ng reached out to an Islamic scholar, an Uztas in the person of Nurudeen Ibrahim, to speak about the holy month of Ramadan.
Uztas Nurudeen Ibrahim is also the Director of Academic Planning at Markaz University College, Agege, Lagos, and Spokesperson to Sheikh Muhammed Habibullah Adam Abdullah El-Ilory on Special Matters.
Eid El Fitr 2025: Economic hardship dampens Salah spirit
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the usual festive mood of Muslim's Eid-fitr simply referred to as “Salah” celebrations has been subdued this year as residents of Kano grapple with soaring prices of food, clothing, and essential goods.
The streets of Kano are usually buzzed with excitement days before Sallah in which markets overflowing with shoppers, tailors working overtime to stitch new clothes, and families preparing lavish feasts to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
But in 2025, Legit.ng findings reveal that the festive spirit has been stifled by Nigeria’s harsh economic realities, as soaring inflation and dwindling incomes force residents to prioritize survival over celebration.
Source: Legit.ng
