Raya Terkejut may make a comeback again this year as Malaysian take to the internet, and speculate that the Eid-ul Fitr might fall on the 20th March 2026 (Friday), instead of the calendar prediction date, 21st March 2026 (Saturday).
According to Utusan Malaysia, speculation of early raya has gone viral especially on Threads ,on the discussion of early Raya date, based on the Hijri date calculation and comparison of the start of Ramadan and analysis of the possibility the new crescent moon (hilal) sighting.
Many social media users like @ummu_safiyah are excited over possibility of early Raya.
However, according to Kosmo, Mufti of Negeri Sembilan, Associate Professor, Datuk Dr Faudzinaim Badaruddin stated,the possibility of Eid falling on Friday is low, due to the astronomical data using the Islamic Mathematical Astronomy method shows that for that the new moon position will be at 2~42 height and 5`17 elongation, with the time elapsed of 10 hours and 19 minute, and the
“ Based on the current data and calculation, the 1447 Syawal hilal does not met Malaysian imkan al-ru’yah (methods of determining Hijri new crescent moon ) criteria.” says Faudzinaim.
Faudzinaim also share data comparison of the Raya Terkejut and the current data, stating, The 1447 Syawal hilal is lower compared to the 1443 Syawal hilal.
Faudzinaim’s statement were also shared by other state mufti including Perak State Mufti Department as reported by Berita Harian.
The confusion and speculation over the date of Eid-ul Fitr occur due to disparity between digital and printed calendar, with the digital stating Friday is the first Syawal, while the printed one state it is on Saturday, as well as the anxiousness over the possibility of early eid.
Sinar Harian reported, Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has call for Malaysian to not make their own assumption and baseless speculation, with strong emphasis to trust the authorities to do their duties accordingly.
Raya Terkejut 2022 surely is an unforgettable experience for all Malaysians, with so many sharing their experience and chaotic moments over the sudden announcement.
While data may show case low probability on this year early Syawal hilal sighting, but, the possibility of Raya Terkejut 2.0 is never zero.
Wishing you Selamat Hari Raya AildilFitri, Maaf Zahir Batin.
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