Saudi Arabia on Tuesday officially sighted the crescent moon, signaling the start of Ramadan 1447. With the Hilal confirmed, Muslims in the kingdom will commence fasting from dawn on Wednesday, while Taraweeh prayers are scheduled to begin after tonight’s Isha prayer.
A post on X by @Muslim noted, “Saudi Arabia announces Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of fasting.
Taraweeh prayers will start tonight on the opening evening of this blessed month. It is advised to follow the fasting schedule set by local communities.”
Muslims in Nigeria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries will also begin fasting on Wednesday, marking a period devoted to prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
In Japan, however, Ramadan will commence a day later, on Thursday, February 19, after the Hilal Vision Committee confirmed that the crescent moon was not visible. Similarly, Oman, Singapore, and Turkey have declared Thursday as the first day of fasting for 2026 following their traditional lunar sighting practices.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed annually based on the lunar cycle, which causes its starting date to shift each year.
Fasting from dawn to sunset is a central pillar of Islam, mandatory for healthy adults, while exemptions apply to children, the ill, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
The sighting of the crescent moon also determines the dates for major Islamic celebrations, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. In many Muslim-majority nations, working hours and school schedules are adjusted to provide more time for worship and family gatherings during the month.