New Delhi: As the anticipation builds across the Muslim world, the Ramadan moon sighting in Saudi Arabia for 2026 has everyone gazing at the evening skies
with bated breath. This age-old tradition determines the start of Ramadan 1447 AH, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection that unites over a billion believers. On 17 February 2026, committees across the Kingdom scanned the horizon after sunset, seeking the faint crescent moon—or hilal—that signals the end of Sha’ban and the dawn of this blessed period. Families prepare iftar feasts, mosques gear up for taraweeh prayers, and communities buzz with excitement, wondering if fasting begins on 18 February or the following day.
This ritual isn’t just about calendars; it’s a communal call to faith. Imagine standing on your rooftop at dusk, eyes fixed westward, heart pounding as news trickles in via social media and official channels. Ramadan 2026 moon sighting timings vary slightly by location—but the thrill remains universal. As we await confirmation, preparations intensify: suhoor meals planned, prayer mats dusted off. Stay tuned, for this sighting shapes not only fasting schedules but also global Eid celebrations come late March.
How Ramadan links to moon sighting
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, hinges entirely on the physical sighting of the crescent moon to commence. Unlike solar calendars, the Hijri system relies on this hilal observation at the end of Sha’ban, typically 29 days long unless the moon is spotted earlier.
This tradition, rooted in the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) practice, emphasises eyewitness accounts over pure calculations in many schools of thought, fostering unity and reliance on divine signs. Today, local committees verify sightings reported by the naked eye or basic optics, announcing results swiftly via media and courts.
Saudi Arabia confirms moon sighting and Ramadan celebrations from 18 February
Saudi Arabia confirmed the crescent moon sighting on 17 February 2026 evening, declaring 18 February as the first day of Ramadan 2026. The Supreme Court, after testimonies from regions like Hawtat Sudair, made the official pronouncement, prompting taraweeh prayers that very night.
Most GCC nations, including UAE and Oman, aligned with this, starting fasts on February 17 amid favourable weather post-solar eclipse concerns. Fasting hours hover around 12-13 hours, with iftar near 6:20 pm local time.
Ramadan 2026 dates in other countries
Ramadan 2026 begins on 18 February in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and several Gulf nations following confirmed crescent sightings on 17 February evening. These announcements set the tone, as the hilal typically appears first in the west, guiding global observances.
Most Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia, will start fasting on 19 February, as their local committees did not sight the moon and complete Sha’ban’s 30 days. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Religious Affairs officially declared 19 February start after the isbat process confirmed no visibility.
The UK, Europe, Turkey, and Australia also anticipate 19 February, blending local sightings with astronomical data for precision.
As Ramadan 2026 unfolds from Saudi Arabia’s 18 February sighting, may this moonlit tradition bring peace, strength, and joy to every fasting heart worldwide. Eid Mubarak in advance!
