Saudi Arabia Announces Ramadan to Begin Wednesday, February 18 After Crescent Moon Sighting
Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed that the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH (2026) will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, after the crescent moon marking the start of the month was sighted across the Kingdom. The announcement was issued by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia following traditional moon-sighting procedures conducted on the evening of Tuesday, February 17.
In line with longstanding Islamic tradition, Ramadan begins when a confirmed sighting of the new moon (Hilal) is reported, a practice followed by many Muslim-majority countries. The crescent sightings were verified by moon-sighting committees, prompting official confirmation that fasting and other Ramadan observances will commence at dawn on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
What This Means for Muslims
With the crescent sighted, mosques across Saudi Arabia are preparing to hold Taraweeh prayers beginning on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, immediately following the Isha prayer. Muslims in the Kingdom will begin the month with the obligatory fast from dawn until sunset, a core element of Ramadan that emphasizes spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and community.
Regional Variations in Start Dates
Several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Kuwait, have also confirmed that Ramadan will start on Wednesday, February 18 following sighting reports.
However, not all countries observe the start of Ramadan on the same date. Many Muslim communities in North America, parts of South Asia, and other regions follow their own local moon-sighting authorities or astronomical calculations, meaning Ramadan may begin there on Thursday, February 19 or later, depending on local sightings.
What Ramadan Involves
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. During Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (Suhoor) to sunset (Iftar) is considered an act of devotion and spiritual discipline. The month ends with Eid al-Fitr, a major festival celebrating the completion of the fast and communal worship.
To our Muslim readers, Ramadan Mubarak. May your fasts be easy, your prayers answered, and your hearts filled with gratitude.