- Saudi Arabia confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, officially declaring Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of fasting
- Muslims in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will also begin fasting on Wednesday in line with the confirmed moon sighting
- However, Japan, Oman, Singapore and Turkey announced Thursday, February 19, as their first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon was not sighted
Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, signalling the commencement of Ramadan 1447, with fasting set to begin on Wednesday, February 18.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, February 17, after the Hilal was sighted, marking the start of the holy month in the Kingdom. As a result, Muslims in Saudi Arabia will observe their first fast at dawn on Wednesday, February 18, while Taraweeh prayers will be performed after the Isha prayer tonight.
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.”
With the announcement, Muslims in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and several other countries will begin observing Ramadan on Wednesday, February 18, dedicating the month to prayer, reflection, charity and devotion.
However, the start date will differ in some parts of the world. In Japan, Ramadan 2026 will commence on Thursday, February 19, after the Hilal Vision Committee confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted. Muslims in the country will therefore begin their first fast on Thursday, February 19.
Similarly, Oman, Singapore and Turkey have declared Thursday, February 19, as the first day of Ramadan 2026. Authorities in these countries reached the decision following the non-sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with their established lunar observation traditions.
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, its 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. Nevertheless, exemptions are granted to children, the sick, travellers, and women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating.
The sighting of the crescent moon remains a long-standing Islamic tradition used to determine the beginning of Ramadan as well as the major festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Throughout the holy month, many Muslim-majority countries adjust working hours and school schedules to allow for increased worship, family time and spiritual reflection.
More than 1.8 billion Muslims around the world are expected to observe the daily fast from sunrise to sunset during the sacred month.