RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia confirmed on Tuesday evening that the Ramadan crescent moon was sighted, declaring Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH.
Moon-sighting committees reported verified visibility shortly after sunset in several regions, including Sudair and Tabuk. The ruling was issued through official judicial and religious channels.
Taraweeh prayers began Tuesday night across the Kingdom.
Gulf Countries Follow Saudi Announcement
Following Saudi Arabia’s confirmation, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar also declared Wednesday the first day of fasting after local moon-sighting committees confirmed visibility.
However, not all countries aligned with the Saudi decision.
Astronomical Debate
Earlier in the day, astronomers had indicated that crescent visibility would be extremely difficult due to a rare annular solar eclipse that occurred on February 17. The eclipse coincided with the new moon phase, placing the moon in conjunction with the sun.
Under such conditions, the crescent’s visibility is usually limited because the moon’s separation from the sun remains very small at sunset.
Despite these projections, Saudi Arabia relies on physical sighting testimonies reviewed by the Supreme Court. Verified reports led to the official declaration.
Countries Beginning Ramadan on February 19
The European Council for Fatwa and Research declared Thursday, February 19, as the first day of Ramadan, citing astronomical calculations.
Other countries announcing February 19 include:
- Turkey
- Singapore
- Australia
- Brunei
- Malaysia
Meanwhile, the Fiqh Council of North America and the Islamic Society of North America, which use astronomical criteria, aligned with Saudi Arabia and confirmed February 18 as the start date.
As of Tuesday evening, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Iran were still conducting local observations.
Why Start Dates Sometimes Differ
The variation in start dates is common within the global Muslim community. Some countries follow verified naked-eye sightings, while others use astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of the lunar month.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset and increase acts of worship, charity, and reflection.
The month commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Laylat Al Qadr is observed during the final ten nights.
Eid Al-Fitr is expected around March 19 or 20, pending the next crescent sighting.
Adjusted Working Hours
Across Gulf countries, working hours are typically reduced during Ramadan. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, official working hours are expected to be shortened from Wednesday.
Mosques across the Kingdom were filled with worshippers on Tuesday night for Taraweeh prayers, while families prepared for suhoor and iftar.
“Ramadan Mubarak” trended widely across social media platforms following the official announcement.
I’m Soha Owais, a law graduate with an LLB (Hons), blending my legal background with a passion for storytelling. As an author and writer at Saudiscoop.com, I craft engaging narratives that connect with both local and international audiences, bringing a fresh and informed perspective to the stories that matter.
