Eid al-Fitr Date in Egypt 2026.. Astronomical Research Reveals the Expected Date for the First Day of Eid

The National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research in Egypt has revealed the expected date for the first day of Eid al-Fitr 2026, according to its astronomical calculations regarding the crescent moon of the month of Shawwal.
The institute clarified that the beginning of the month of Shawwal astronomically will be on Friday, March 20, 2026, making this day the first day of the blessed Eid al-Fitr in Egypt, according to scientific estimates.

Birth of the Shawwal Crescent

Dr. Mohamed Gharib, a professor at the Solar Research Laboratory in the institute, stated that astronomical calculations indicate that the crescent moon of Shawwal will be born immediately after conjunction at 03:25 AM Cairo time on Thursday, March 19, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of Ramadan.
This day is scientifically known as the day of legal sighting when the crescent moon is observed.
Duration of the Crescent's Visibility
According to astronomical studies, the new crescent will remain in the sky after sunset:
30 minutes in the sky of Mecca
35 minutes in the sky of Cairo
Between 30 and 37 minutes in the other governorates of Egypt
These durations are scientifically sufficient for the crescent to be seen with the naked eye or using astronomical observatories, provided that the weather conditions are suitable.

Dar al-Ifta Officially Decides

Despite the accuracy of astronomical calculations, experts emphasized that the official announcement of the Eid al-Fitr date remains the responsibility of the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta.
Dar al-Ifta relies on the legal sighting of the crescent moon through its committees spread across the country, adhering to the legal methodology in determining the beginnings of the lunar months.