Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Muslims in Sierra Leone are awaiting the official announcement marking the end of Ramadan 1447AH, with Eid al-Fitr expected to be declared either on Thursday, March 19, or Friday, March 20, 2026, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
According to Islamic tradition, the end of the holy month is confirmed by the sighting of the crescent moon on the 29th day of Ramadan. If the moon is sighted on Wednesday evening, March 18, 2026—which corresponds to Ramadan 29—then the month ends immediately, and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19.
If the crescent is not visible due to weather conditions or other factors, Ramadan will complete 30 days, making Friday, March 20, the first day of Shawwal and the Eid celebration.
Multiple holiday calendars list March 20 as the tentative date for Korité, as Eid al-Fitr is locally known in Sierra Leone, though this remains subject to confirmation by local religious authorities.
Muslim Media Sierra Leone has advised the public to await guidance from scholars and religious leaders, noting that the official announcement will be made once the moon sighting is confirmed. The organisation reminded the faithful that each country should rely on its own confirmed sighting rather than automatically following declarations from other nations.
“By tomorrow before the day ends, the official announcement will be known, In Shaa Allah,” the organisation stated in a public advisory.
Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Sierra Leone, with schools and most businesses closed to allow citizens to participate in prayers and celebrations. The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.
Traditions include special morning prayers at mosques, family gatherings, sharing of meals such as jollof rice and fried chicken, and exchanging gifts. Children often receive money in envelopes, and communities hold celebrations that include singing and drumming.
Ramadan 1447AH began in Sierra Leone on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following the moon sighting that confirmed the start of the holy month. Laylat Al Qadr, the night considered holier than a thousand months, was observed on the 27th night of Ramadan, falling on March 17.
The date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year as it follows the Islamic lunar calendar, shifting approximately 10 to 12 days earlier annually in the Gregorian calendar.
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