Millions of Christians and Muslims around the world are beginning observances of Lent and Ramadan today, marking periods of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion in their respective faiths.
Christians observing Lent begin a 40-day period of prayer, penance, and self-denial leading up to Easter Sunday, starting with Ash Wednesday. In his 2026 Lenten Message, Pope Leo XIV called on believers to abstain from words that offend or hurt others, describing it as “a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence.”
The Pontiff emphasized that Lent offers an opportunity to center life on God, cultivate attentiveness, and listen to the needs of the poor. Highlighting the spiritual value of fasting, he said it helps believers rediscover their desire for justice and resist complacency, while warning against prideful practices.
He also stressed the importance of “disarming language”, avoiding harsh words, slander, and speaking ill of absent others—and encouraged Christians to foster kindness and respect in families, workplaces, communities, social media, and political discussions.
“If believers embrace such discipline, words of hatred would give way to words of hope and peace,” he said, underscoring the communal and transformative dimension of Lent. The Pope concluded by praying that Christian communities gain the strength to extend fasting into language and behavior, creating space for others’ voices.
For Muslims, Ramadan—the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar marks a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, charity, and self-discipline. Saudi Arabia officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday, marking the start of Ramadan 1447. With the Hilal confirmed, the holy month begins Wednesday, with Taraweeh prayers held Tuesday night after Isha.
A post by @Muslim on X read: “BREAKING: Saudi Arabia announces the first day of fasting for Ramadan to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Taraweeh will begin tonight on the first evening of the blessed month. It’s recommended to follow the fasting time designated by your local community and country.”
Muslims in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and other regions will begin their first day of fasting at dawn on Wednesday, ushering in a month of prayer, reflection, and devotion. In Japan, Oman, Singapore, and Turkey, Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, February 19.
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, confirmed the crescent moon sighting on Tuesday evening, declaring Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan. In a press statement signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaid, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, the Sultan urged Muslims nationwide to observe fasting in accordance with Islamic teachings and use the month to pray for national leaders and address insecurity.
