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| Ramadan |
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, signaling the beginning of Ramadan 1447.
Following the announcement, Muslims in the kingdom will begin fasting on Wednesday, February 18, while Taraweeh prayers are scheduled to hold after Tuesday night’s Isha prayer.
A post by @Muslim on X stated, “Saudi Arabia confirms the first day of fasting for Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Taraweeh prayers will commence tonight on the opening night of the holy month.”
Muslims in nations such as Nigeria, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will also start fasting at dawn on Wednesday, ushering in a month focused on prayer, reflection, and spiritual devotion.
In Japan, Ramadan will begin a day later on Thursday, February 19, after the Hilal Vision Committee reported that the crescent moon was not sighted.
Oman, Singapore, and Turkey have similarly declared Thursday, February 19, as the first day of Ramadan, following their traditional moon-sighting procedures.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, spans 29 to 30 days and shifts yearly in accordance with the lunar cycle. Fasting from sunrise to sunset is obligatory for healthy adult Muslims, while exemptions apply to children, the sick, travellers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
The crescent moon sighting remains a long-standing practice used to mark the start of Ramadan as well as the Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. In many Muslim-majority countries, school and work schedules are often adjusted to provide time for prayer and family activities.
Worldwide, more than 1.8 billion Muslims are expected to observe the fasting month, dedicating the period to worship, self-reflection, and community engagement.
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