Saudi Arabia on Tuesday officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447.
With the Hilal confirmed, the holy month of fasting will commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Taraweeh prayers will be observed after the Isha prayer on Tuesday night, ushering in the first evening of Ramadan.
A post by @Muslim on X stated: “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 several other countries are expected to begin fasting at dawn on Wednesday, marking the start of a month devoted to prayer, reflection, charity and spiritual renewal.
However, Japan announced that Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, after its Hilal Vision Committee confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted. Similarly, Oman, Singapore and Turkey declared Thursday as the first day of Ramadan following the absence of a confirmed moon sighting, in accordance with their established lunar observation processes.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of 12 months and spans 354 or 355 days. Because it follows the lunar cycle, the start date shifts earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for healthy adult Muslims. Exemptions apply to young children, the sick, travellers, and women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating.
The sighting of the crescent moon remains a longstanding Islamic tradition used to determine the beginning of Ramadan as well as the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
During the holy month, many Muslim-majority countries adjust working hours and school schedules to accommodate increased worship and family activities.
More than 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide are expected to observe the month-long fast from dawn to sunset each day.
