Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, confirming the start of Ramadan 1447.
With the Hilal sighted on Tuesday, Muslims in the Kingdom will begin fasting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Taraweeh prayers are also set to begin tonight after the Isha prayer, marking the first evening of the holy month.
The announcement was shared on social media platform X by @Muslim, which stated that the first day of fasting will commence on Wednesday, while encouraging Muslims worldwide to follow the Ramadan timetable approved by their local communities and national authorities.
Following Saudi Arabia’s declaration, Muslims in countries such as Nigeria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and other regions where the moon was sighted are also expected to begin fasting on Wednesday.
However, not all countries will start Ramadan on the same day. In Japan, the Hilal Vision Committee confirmed that Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, after the crescent moon was not sighted. Oman, Singapore, and Turkey also announced Thursday as their first day of fasting for the same reason.
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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and its start date changes yearly due to the lunar cycle. The month is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayers, spiritual reflection, and acts of charity.
Fasting is compulsory for healthy adult Muslims, though exemptions apply to young children, the sick, travellers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
Over 1.8 billion Muslims around the world are expected to observe Ramadan this year, as the holy month begins across different countries based on moon sighting traditions.
