February 17, 2026
Ramadan to begin on February 18 as crescent confirmed in Saudi Arabia and Gulf states
Ramadan will commence on February 18, confirmed by the crescent sighting in Saudi Arabia and Gulf states. This holy month is marked by fasting and reflection.
The Ramadan crescent was sighted in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening, marking February 18 as the first day of fasting. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia officially announced the start of the holy month for the year 1447 AH after confirming reports of the moon’s visibility.
The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait also confirmed the sighting of the crescent, declaring Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan. The UAE’s Presidential Court said the decision followed verification by the country’s official moon-sighting committee, according to local media reports.
In contrast, several countries reported that the crescent was not visible on Tuesday. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Oman, Japan, Turkey, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei announced that the moon had not been sighted.
As a result, these countries will complete 30 days of Shaaban on February 18 and begin fasting on February 19.
Meanwhile, moon-sighting committees in Pakistan, Iran, India, and Bangladesh are set to convene on Wednesday, February 18, as Tuesday corresponds to the 28th of Shaaban in those countries.
Muslims around the world welcome Ramadan with deep devotion, as more than a billion people observe the month through fasting, reflection, and acts of charity. Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, which determines the beginning and end of each month.
Because the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle that is about 10 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Ramadan shifts earlier each year and does not fall on the same date annually.
