CULTURE — March 18, 2026
Taliban Supreme Court's Crescent Sighting Committee Urges Afghans to Sight Shawwal Moon Ahead of Eid al-Fitr
The Taliban Supreme Court's Central Crescent Sighting Committee urged Afghans to sight the Shawwal moon ahead of Eid al-Fitr and testify if observed, with testimonies to be evaluated per Sharia principles. RTA specified sighting attempts after Asr prayer on Wednesday, while Afghanistan International provided additional context on Ramadan's start.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with RTA — corroborated by Khaama Press, Bakhtar News and Afghanistan International — 2 min read
The Central Crescent Sighting Committee of the Taliban Supreme Court has urged citizens across Afghanistan to attempt to sight the new moon in their areas ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
The committee stated that if the moon is sighted, individuals should provide testimony at district courts, provincial Supreme Court offices or local Crescent Sighting Committees. Testimonies will be evaluated according to Sharia principles, and the final announcement will be issued by the Central Crescent Sighting Board.
Afghanistan International reported the call ahead of Eid al-Fitr, while RTA specified efforts to sight the Shawwal moon of 1447 Hijri after Asr prayer on Wednesday.
Afghanistan International added that the Taliban had previously followed Saudi Arabia in announcing Wednesday, 29 Dalu, as the first day of Ramadan after sighting its crescent.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of Afghanistan's most important religious occasions, with three days of public holidays declared.
Read the original reporting at RTA →
Reliability assessment
Corroborated by 4 independent outlets (RTA, Khaama Press, Bakhtar News, Afghanistan International) reporting the Taliban Supreme Court's Central Crescent Sighting Committee's official urging for moon sightings and testimonies.
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Taliban Supreme Court's Crescent Sighting Committee urged people to sight the moon.
- If sighted, provide testimony to courts/committee.
- Testimonies evaluated per Sharia; final decision by Central Board.
- Eid al-Fitr is a major occasion with public holidays (Source 1).
Where reports differ
- Timing: 'ahead of Eid, in own areas' (Source 1) vs. 'today Wednesday after Asr' (Source 2).
- Moon specified as Shawwal 1447 Hijri only in Source 2.
- Taliban followed Saudi for Ramadan (Source 1 only).
Filed by 4 outlets
RTA
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Khaama Press
Reported straight
Reported straight
Bakhtar News
Reported straight
Reported straight
Afghanistan International
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
Culture — Taliban, Eid al-Fitr, Crescent Sighting Committee, Supreme Court, Shawwal
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