When could Ramadan Eid be celebrated in 2026?
Religious scholars in Kyrgyzstan announced that Ramadan Eid in 2026 is expected to fall on March 20. The announcement was made based on a decision of the Fatwa Council of the Organization of Turkic States. Uzbekistan’s Muslim Board is also a member of this council. According to information reported by the source, the date was determined through consultations among religious authorities.
What does this mean for Uzbekistan?
If Ramadan Eid in Uzbekistan is also officially confirmed for March 20, the holy month of Ramadan in 2026 will likely last 29 days. However, Uzbekistan’s Muslim Board has not yet issued a final statement regarding the exact date of the Eid celebration.
Why can the date of Eid differ between countries?
The exact date of Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr may vary by one day depending on the sighting of the moon. A similar situation occurred at the beginning of Ramadan this year. Saudi Arabia’s moon-sighting committee and several countries started Ramadan on February 18, while many other Muslim countries, including those in Central Asia, began fasting on February 19.
How was the March 20 date determined?
According to reports, religious authorities across the region agreed on March 20 as the likely date for Eid based on astronomical calculations. This agreement was discussed during a consultative meeting of the Fatwa Council held on February 2–4 in Samarkand with the participation of representatives from the Muslim religious administrations of Turkic states.
Which countries are part of the Fatwa Council?
The Fatwa Council includes representatives from the muftiates of member states of the Organization of Turkic States — Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan — as well as observer participants from Turkmenistan and Hungary.
Could the Eid date still change?
Yes. If Uzbekistan’s Muslim Board follows a calendar where Ramadan lasts 30 days, the Eid celebration could move to March 21 instead. However, if March 20 is confirmed as Eid day, the 2026 Ramadan will consist of 29 days.
Has Ramadan lasted 29 days before?
A similar situation occurred in 2025 when many Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, concluded Ramadan after 29 days based on religious scholars’ astronomical calculations.