Live Broadcast of the Shawwal Moon Sighting in Morocco
On the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of Ramadan 1447 AH, the citizens of Morocco will turn their gaze to the sky in anticipation of the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon. The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced the organization of an official observation process across various regions of the kingdom. This event is crucial as it will determine the date of Eid al-Fitr, a significant celebration marking the end of Ramadan.
Details of the Crescent Moon Sighting Process in Morocco
The Ministry has called upon esteemed judges and representatives of Islamic affairs throughout the kingdom to participate in the moon sighting and to communicate their findings through designated phone numbers to confirm the visibility of the crescent or the impossibility thereof. Morocco employs a meticulous system that combines visual sightings and scientific calculations, making its results among the most accurate in the Islamic world.
Astronomical data suggests varying possibilities regarding the date of the holiday in Morocco. The first scenario indicates that if the crescent is sighted on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026, then Friday, March 20, 2026, will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr. Conversely, some astronomers predict that conditions may hinder sighting the crescent on that evening, potentially leading to the completion of Ramadan with 30 days, thus making Saturday, March 21, 2026, the first day of Eid in Morocco.
Citizens can follow the live coverage of the moon sighting results through the following channels: Morocco's national TV channel, which will broadcast the official announcement from the ministry immediately after the Maghrib prayer, the Ministry of Awqaf's website for real-time textual updates, and various digital platforms that will relay moments from astronomical observatories across the kingdom. It is noteworthy that Ramadan in Morocco commenced on Thursday, February 19, 2026, establishing March 19 as the day for the official crescent sighting.
As reported by raya.ps.
