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Advocates Philippines
Eid'l Fitr Set On March 21 After Shawwal Moon Not Sighted - Bangsamoro Mufti
Photo credit: Bangsamoro Government
Muslims in the Philippines are expected to celebrate Eid’l Fitr on Saturday, March 21, 2026, after religious authorities confirmed that the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal was not sighted.
The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ said the moon sighting conducted on Thursday did not yield visibility of the Shawwal crescent. Following this, Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani announced that the holy month of Ramadan will complete its full 30 days.
As a result, Filipino Muslims will observe one more day of fasting before marking Eid’l Fitr, the festival that signals the end of Ramadan.
Why the moon sighting matters
In Islam, the beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, a long-standing religious practice. If the moon is not visible on the 29th night, fasting continues for a 30th day before Eid’l Fitr is observed.
This approach follows Islamic jurisprudence practiced in the Philippines, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where religious authorities oversee official moon sightings.
National observance and impact
Eid’l Fitr is one of the most significant holidays in Islam, marking the end of a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection. In the Philippines, it is observed as a regular national holiday under Republic Act No. 9177.
The official confirmation of the date helps guide religious observances, travel plans, and community activities, especially in predominantly Muslim areas such as Cotabato City and Marawi.
Government agencies typically prepare for increased movement and gatherings during the holiday, coordinating security, transportation, and public services.
A message for the faithful
Alongside the announcement, Bangsamoro authorities extended greetings to the Muslim community, expressing hope that the values practiced during Ramadan will continue beyond the holy month.
“May Allah SWT accept all our ibadah (worship) during this holy month. Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum,” the statement read, as they wished the Muslim Ummah an advance Eid Mubarak.
The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ said the moon sighting conducted on Thursday did not yield visibility of the Shawwal crescent. Following this, Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani announced that the holy month of Ramadan will complete its full 30 days.
As a result, Filipino Muslims will observe one more day of fasting before marking Eid’l Fitr, the festival that signals the end of Ramadan.
Why the moon sighting matters
In Islam, the beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, a long-standing religious practice. If the moon is not visible on the 29th night, fasting continues for a 30th day before Eid’l Fitr is observed.
This approach follows Islamic jurisprudence practiced in the Philippines, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where religious authorities oversee official moon sightings.
National observance and impact
Eid’l Fitr is one of the most significant holidays in Islam, marking the end of a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection. In the Philippines, it is observed as a regular national holiday under Republic Act No. 9177.
The official confirmation of the date helps guide religious observances, travel plans, and community activities, especially in predominantly Muslim areas such as Cotabato City and Marawi.
Government agencies typically prepare for increased movement and gatherings during the holiday, coordinating security, transportation, and public services.
A message for the faithful
Alongside the announcement, Bangsamoro authorities extended greetings to the Muslim community, expressing hope that the values practiced during Ramadan will continue beyond the holy month.
“May Allah SWT accept all our ibadah (worship) during this holy month. Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum,” the statement read, as they wished the Muslim Ummah an advance Eid Mubarak.
Mar 19, 2026
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