Muslim community awaits moon sighting to mark Eid

The Muslim community is expected to celebrate Eid on Saturday, March 21, 2026, subject to the sighting of the crescent moon. The festival marks the end of the fasting month and is confirmed only once the new moon has been seen. Pietermaritzburg Muslim scholar Mohamed Saeed said Eid is determined strictly by the physical sighting of the moon.

“If the moon is sighted, then it is Eid, but if not, we continue fasting,” he said. “There is no use for binoculars, equipment, or scientific calculations. This evening after sunset, the community will begin looking for the moon.

It is considered meritorious if the fast continues to the 30th day,” said Saeed. This will mark the end of the month of Ramadaan, which began on February 19 for the Muslim community. During the fasting period, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until dusk, as well as from sexual relations.

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They also engage in voluntary acts of charity and good deeds, with a strong emphasis on self-reformation. Saeed said the day of Eid is centred on family, and fasting does not take place. “The day begins very early.

We go for the morning prayer, known as Fajr. Thereafter, one takes a bath, wears their best clothing, and attends Eid prayers. “Families, friends, and the wider community then meet and greet one another with peace and a prayer asking that the Almighty accept all the good deeds completed during Ramadaan.” Chairperson of the Crescent Observers Society of South Africa (Cossa), Safwaan Sasman, said the organisation will be stationed at multiple sites in Cape Town to observe the moon.

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