Crescent sighting marks start of Ramadan 1447 in several regions

Tuesday 17 February 2026 - 15:38

By: Dakir Madiha

Crescent sighting marks start of Ramadan 1447 in several regions

Muslim communities in multiple regions are preparing to begin Ramadan 1447 after religious authorities confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, setting Wednesday, 18 February 2026, as the first day of fasting in several countries.

Under the Islamic lunar calendar, the start of Ramadan depends on the visual confirmation of the new crescent, or hilal, which appears shortly after sunset at the end of Sha’ban. Once verified by recognized religious bodies or official moon sighting committees, the following day is declared the first day of the holy month, prompting millions of Muslims to fast from dawn to sunset.

In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court and designated observatories had urged residents to observe the sky on the evening corresponding to 29 Sha’ban 1447 and to promptly report verified sightings to ensure a coordinated national announcement. Similar procedures were followed across Gulf states, where committees combine traditional naked eye observation with telescopic support and astronomical calculations. Religious platforms and community networks reported that the crescent had been seen, confirming 18 February 2026 as the start of Ramadan in those jurisdictions, with tarawih prayers beginning the previous evening.

Astronomical forecasts had indicated that Ramadan 2026 would likely begin on either 18 or 19 February, depending on regional visibility conditions. In North America, the Fiqh Council of North America announced in advance that Wednesday, 18 February 2026, would mark the first day of Ramadan 1447, citing calculated global moon positions and visibility criteria. Other countries, including Oman and the United Arab Emirates, issued determinations based on their own methodologies, with some confirming Thursday, 19 February, as the start date according to local sighting standards.

These variations reflect the decentralized structure of Islamic calendar decisions, where national authorities or recognized religious councils adopt specific criteria for confirming the hilal. While some prioritize direct visual sighting, others incorporate astronomical data to guide or determine their rulings.

Observatories and astronomy centers have taken on a more prominent role in recent years. In Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, facilities such as the Sudair Observatory employ advanced imaging technology and precise calculations to assess lunar visibility. Astronomers evaluate factors including the moon’s age, its angular distance from the sun and its altitude at sunset to determine whether sighting is feasible. Although many scholars maintain that physical sighting remains central, scientific projections help clarify when visibility is possible.

For worshippers, the confirmation of 18 February as the first day of Ramadan provides clarity for final preparations. Families organize suhoor meals before dawn and iftar gatherings at sunset, while mosques prepare for nightly tarawih prayers that draw large congregations. Community organizations intensify charity drives, food distributions and fundraising initiatives during the month.

In many cities, working hours and school schedules are adjusted to accommodate fasting routines. Messages of “Ramadan Mubarak” circulated widely online as communities marked the beginning of a month regarded as a period of reflection, forgiveness and renewed spiritual commitment.

Despite differing start dates in some regions, the core observance remains consistent. From their respective first day of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from food, drink and marital relations between dawn and sunset, increase prayer and Quran recitation, and place added emphasis on charity and community solidarity.

Islamic organizations and digital platforms have published detailed timetables listing daily suhoor and iftar times for cities worldwide, allowing worshippers to align their fasting with local sunrise and sunset. With the crescent sighted and official announcements made in several countries, attention now turns to observing the month through worship, discipline and collective support.