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The first crescent moon signaling the start of Ramadan 2026 was sighted in Saudi Arabia on the evening of February 17, 2026, prompting the Kingdom to start the holy month on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, according to official announcements.
However, the sighting of the moon, and therefore the commencement of fasting, is expected to vary in other parts of the world, with many Muslim communities in South Asia, Europe, and North America anticipating the start of Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This discrepancy stems from the traditional Islamic practice of determining the beginning of Ramadan through the physical sighting of the crescent moon, a practice rooted in Islamic scripture, and tradition.
Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity for Muslims worldwide. During this time, healthy adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset, fostering self-discipline and empathy for those less fortunate. The month culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a three-day celebration marking the end of the swift.
While astronomical calculations can predict the moon’s birth, the traditional method prioritizes local visibility at sunset. This reliance on visual confirmation explains why different regions may begin Ramadan on different days. For example, the UAE and other Gulf countries are expected to follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement, beginning Ramadan on February 18, while communities in India and South Asia are anticipating a sighting around February 18 local time, potentially leading to a start date of February 19. In the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America, the sighting is also expected on February 18, with fasting likely to begin the following day.
The practice of moon sighting is deeply embedded in Islamic tradition. According to a hadith recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad SAW instructed Muslims to begin and end the fast upon sighting the crescent moon. Another hadith in Sahih Muslim emphasizes the importance of completing thirty days of Sha’ban if the moon is not sighted. These traditions underscore that Ramadan begins not as a fixed date, but as a moment of communal witness and submission to divine decree.
The crescent moon holds both symbolic and practical significance in Islam. It represents a fresh start, prompting increased faith and moral reflection. It also fosters a sense of unity among Muslims globally, as communities across different lands observe the same sacred cycle. The lunar calendar, upon which Ramadan is based, shifts earlier each year by approximately 10-11 days compared to the Gregorian calendar, connecting Islamic worship rhythms with the cosmos.
Despite the shared spiritual practices, Ramadan is expressed in diverse cultural ways. From decorative lanterns in Egypt to interfaith iftars in the United States, both global unity and local tradition shape the experience of the holy month.
As of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, religious authorities in various regions continue to monitor the skies for the fresh moon, with final announcements expected after sunset to confirm the official start of Ramadan for their respective communities.
