Saudi Arabia on Tuesday officially confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of Ramadan 1447.
Following the Hilal confirmation, the holy month of fasting will begin on Wednesday, with Taraweeh prayers scheduled to hold after the Isha prayer tonight.
A post on X by @Muslim read:
“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 start their first fast at dawn on Wednesday, ushering in a month dedicated to prayer, reflection, and spiritual devotion.
However, in Japan, Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, February 19, as the Hilal Vision Committee confirmed the crescent moon was not sighted. Muslims in the country will therefore commence fasting on Thursday, marking the start of the holy month.
Similarly, Oman, Singapore, and Turkey have declared Thursday, February 19, as the first day of Ramadan 2026. The decision followed the non-sighting of the crescent moon in line with traditional lunar observation practices.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which has 12 months and spans 354 or 355 days. Because it follows the lunar cycle, the start of Ramadan shifts each year.
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Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for healthy adult Muslims. Exemptions are granted to young children, the sick, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
The crescent moon sighting is a longstanding tradition used to determine the beginning of Ramadan, as well as the major Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
During the month, working hours and school schedules are often shortened in many Muslim-majority countries to allow more time for worship and family activities.
Globally, over 1.8 billion Muslims are expected to observe daily fasting from sunrise to sunset throughout Ramadan, embracing a period of spiritual reflection and devotion.