Moon Sighting for Edil Al Fitr 2026

Religious practice is always a choice. But the recommended one was that based on the precepts of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

He said, “…Observe Saum at sighting of the crescent of Ramadan and terminate it at sighting the crescent (of Shawwal). If the sky is overcast, complete (the month as) thirty (days)." [Riyad As-Salihin, Book 8, Hadith No.235]

عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ صوموا لرؤيته وأفطروا لرؤيته، فإن حالت دونه فأكملوا ثلاثين يومًا‏"    ‏  

Moreover, "When you see the crescent (of the month of Ramadan), start fasting, and when you see the crescent (of the month of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky is overcast (and you can't see it) then regard the month of Ramadan as of 30 days."

[Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book No. 30, Hadith No. 10].

 

"‏ إِذَا رَأَيْتُمُوهُ فَصُومُوا، وَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمُوهُ فَأَفْطِرُوا، فَإِنْ غُمَّ عَلَيْكُمْ فَاقْدُرُوا لَهُ ‏"

 

What is the Doctrine of Verba Legis and how does it apply?

It is “A cardinal rule in statutory construction is that when the law is clear and free from any doubt or ambiguity, there is no room for construction or interpretation. There is only room for application.” (Amores vs. House of Rep. Electoral Tribunal, G.R. No. 189600, June 29, 2010).

That precepts held by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is clear and free from any doubt or ambiguity. There is no room for any further interpretation, the only thing remaining is to apply the rules set forth by him.

While it is true that the crescent moon is only one and sighting it from one region does not bind the whole universe due to some circumstance (i.e., if the sky is cloudy). This is the reason of why Salatul Eid al Fitr will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in some areas in the Philippines pursuant to the rulings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Happy Eid Fitr al Mubarak!