Australia confirms 20 March as first day of Eid-ul-Fitr

The Australian Fatwa Council has announced that Ramadan 1447AH will end on Thursday, 19 March, making Friday, 20 March the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr and the beginning of Shawwal 1447AH.

The decision was made following consultations with local and international moon observatories, using calculations of the new moon’s appearance, moonset, and visibility across Australia and neighbouring regions — a method recognised by many prominent global scholarly councils.

The Australian National Imams Council and the Fatwa Council noted that some scholars and Imams may follow alternative approaches and urged the community to respect differing opinions while fostering unity.

The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad, along with member Imams, extended Eid greetings to the Muslim community. They encouraged Australians to remember Palestinians in Gaza through prayers, donations, and support, and to engage with neighbours to share the peaceful and authentic values of Islam.

The councils emphasised that the moon sighting calculations ensure an accurate and consistent start to Shawwal 1447AH while acknowledging diversity of opinions within the Muslim community.