Ramadan 2026 Begins on Wednesday in Several Arab and Islamic Countries, Thursday in Others Following Moon Sighting Announcements

 

Muslims around the world are preparing to welcome the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH in 2026, with the start date varying by country due to differences in moon sighting practices and astronomical calculations. Several Arab and Islamic nations announced Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of fasting, while others confirmed Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Saudi Arabia officially declared that the crescent moon (hilal) for Ramadan was sighted on Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026, marking the end of Sha'ban and the beginning of Ramadan on Wednesday. This announcement, made by Saudi religious authorities and reported through official channels including the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), influences many Muslim communities globally, particularly those that follow the Kingdom's sighting.

Countries aligning with Saudi Arabia's decision and confirming Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan include:

Qatar

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Kuwait

Bahrain

Palestine

Sudan

Somalia

Djibouti

In Iraq, both the Sunni Endowment Diwan and Shiite authorities announced that fasting would commence on Wednesday. Yemen's Houthi group similarly declared Wednesday as the start in areas under their control. For Sunni Muslims in Lebanon, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian confirmed the holy month begins on Wednesday.

In contrast, Egypt announced that the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening. Egypt's Grand Mufti, Nazir Ayyad, and Dar al-Ifta confirmed that Ramadan would begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following completion of 30 days in Sha'ban.

Other countries declaring Thursday, February 19, as the first day include:

Jordan

Syria

Indonesia

Pakistan

Iran

Tunisia

Malaysia

Türkiye, Oman, Singapore, and Australia also set Thursday as the start, relying on astronomical calculations that indicated the crescent would not be visible on Tuesday evening. These nations often prioritize scientific data when visual sighting is deemed impossible due to atmospheric or positional factors.

Morocco planned to conduct its moon sighting on Wednesday, February 18, to determine the official start, with announcements expected accordingly.

The variation stems from the Islamic lunar calendar, where months begin upon sighting the new crescent moon after sunset on the 29th day of the preceding month. If not sighted, the month extends to 30 days. The Ninth month, Ramadan, is observed by over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide through dawn-to-sunset fasting (sawm), increased prayer, charity (zakat al-fitr), and recitation of the Quran.

While traditional local moon sighting remains prevalent in many countries, others increasingly incorporate astronomical predictions—especially when data shows visibility is impossible—to avoid discrepancies. Saudi Arabia's Umm al-Qura calendar, which blends calculations with sightings, often sets the tone for global observance.

This year's Ramadan falls during winter in the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in shorter fasting hours (around 12–13 hours in many regions on the first day), gradually lengthening as the month progresses. In southern latitudes, fasts may reach 14–15 hours.

The holy month emphasizes spiritual reflection, self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and community. It concludes with Eid al-Fitr, expected around March 19–20, 2026, depending on the sighting of Shawwal's crescent.

As preparations intensify, mosques worldwide are gearing up for nightly Tarawih prayers, while families ready iftar meals and suhoor (pre-dawn) provisions. The staggered start underscores the rich diversity in Islamic practice while uniting Muslims in devotion.

Ramadan Mubarak to all observing the blessed month.