Malaysia confirms Hari Raya Aidilfitri on March 21, 2026 after moon sighting, marking start of Syawal nationwide
PETALING JAYA: Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, on Saturday, March 21 following the official announcement by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad.
“On the command of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and with the consent of Their Royal Highnesses the Rulers, I hereby declare that the date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri for all states in Malaysia has been set for Saturday, March 21,” he said in a live broadcast over national television tonight.
The decision followed moon sighting exercises conducted at 29 locations across the country earlier yesterday, a key process in determining the start of the month of Syawal.
Throughout the day, anticipation had been building nationwide as Muslims awaited confirmation, with the appearance of the crescent moon along the western horizon deciding whether Aidilfitri would fall the next day or later.
Malaysia adopts the Imkanur Rukyah method, which combines physical moon sighting (rukyah) and astronomical calculations (hisab) to determine the beginning of Islamic months, including Syawal.
Experts first calculate the moon’s position at sunset, factoring in its age, height above the horizon and its angular separation from the sun to assess the likelihood of visibility.
The Imkanur Rukyah criteria set specific thresholds, requiring the moon to be at a minimum altitude of three degrees above the horizon and to have an elongation of at least 6.4 degrees at sunset to be considered potentially visible.
Verification is then carried out at designated observation points nationwide, including Kuala Lumpur Tower, the Al-Khawarizmi Observatory in Malacca and the Baitul Hilal Complex in Negeri Sembilan.
The exercise involves religious officials from state mufti departments, supported by astronomers and technical teams, with optical instruments used alongside traditional naked-eye observation.
However, visibility is also influenced by weather and environmental factors, such as cloud cover, haze and light pollution, which may hinder sightings despite favourable calculations.
Findings from all observation sites are submitted to the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal before the final proclamation is made with the consent of the Conference of Rulers.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of Ramadan and is observed as a time of reflection, forgiveness and togetherness, with families coming together to celebrate after a month of fasting.
The Sun Malaysia
