Saudi Arabia on Tuesday officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of Ramadan 1447.
With the Hilal sighted, Muslims in the kingdom will commence fasting on Wednesday, February 18, while Taraweeh prayers will hold after the Isha prayer on Tuesday night.
A post by @Muslim on X confirmed, “Saudi Arabia announces the first day of fasting for Ramadan to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Taraweeh will begin tonight on the first evening of the blessed month.”
Muslims in countries including Nigeria, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will also begin fasting at dawn on Wednesday, observing a month dedicated to prayer, reflection, and devotion.
In Japan, however, Ramadan will start a day later on Thursday, February 19, following confirmation by the Hilal Vision Committee that the crescent moon was not sighted in the country.
Oman, Singapore, and Turkey have similarly announced Thursday as the first day of Ramadan, adhering to their traditional lunar sighting practices.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, lasts 29 or 30 days and moves each year according to the lunar cycle.
Fasting from dawn to sunset is obligatory for healthy adult Muslims, with exemptions for children, the sick, travellers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
The sighting of the crescent moon is a centuries-old tradition used to determine the start of Ramadan as well as the major Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
In many Muslim-majority countries, working hours and school schedules are often adjusted to allow time for worship and family activities.
Globally, over 1.8 billion Muslims are expected to observe the month of fasting, marking a period of spiritual reflection, prayer, and communal devotion.