The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad, and the Australian Fatwa Council have officially announced that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday 20 March 2026, marking the first day of the month of Shawwal 1447AH based on the calculated astronomical method. Thursday 19 March will be the final day of fasting for the year.

Ramadan fasting in Australia began on Thursday 19 February 2026, with the community completing 29 days of fasting.

The announcement was made following consultations with both local and international observatories. The Fatwa Council’s method for determining the end of Ramadan is based on the calculated birth of the new moon before sunset, the duration of moonset after sunset, and the scientific possibility of sighting the crescent moon across Australia and its surrounding region — an approach recognised and adopted by many prominent global Islamic scholarly councils.

Local moon-sighters likely to celebrate Eid on Saturday

Not all of Australia’s Muslim community will observe Eid on the same day. Those who follow the traditional practice of physical moon sighting (ru’yat al-hilal) and who began fasting on Friday 20 February – one day after the calculated start – are expected to celebrate Eid on most probably on Saturday 21 March (completing 29 days).

Islamic months are either 29 or 30 days in length. If the crescent is not visible on the 29th night, fasting continues for a 30th day. Moon-sighting communities will be watching the horizon closely on Friday evening.

A call for unity

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) and the Australian Fatwa Council acknowledged that differences of scholarly opinion exist on this matter and called on all Muslims to approach those differences with respect.

The statement noted that the councils “acknowledge, understand and respect the Imams and scholars who may hold a different opinion,” and urged the community to work towards unity in preserving their shared values and interests.

Eid Mubarak from AMUST

AMUST wishes all of its readers, their families, and the entire Muslim community a joyful and blessed Eid ul Fitr – Eid Mubarak!

As we celebrate, we ask our readers to keep in their prayers all those who are suffering across the world — the people of Gaza and Palestine, Sudan, Iran, and all communities enduring hardship, oppression, and conflict. May this Eid bring relief, peace, and justice to those who need it most.