Saudi Arabia Confirms Ramadan Beginning February 18
Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will mark the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH following the sighting of the crescent moon.
The announcement was made after the moon-sighting committee confirmed verified testimonies of witnesses who observed the crescent. In a statement, the Saudi Supreme Court said the decision was based on authenticated reports and Islamic tradition.
The court cited a prophetic tradition that instructs Muslims to begin fasting upon sighting the crescent and end fasting upon sighting the next.
According to the ruling, Wednesday, 1/9/1447 AH under the Umm al-Qura calendar, corresponding to February 18, 2026, is the first day of the holy month.
Nigeria Awaits Local Crescent Confirmation
While Saudi Arabia has declared the start of Ramadan, Nigerian Muslims are awaiting official confirmation based on local moon sightings.
Countries differ in how they determine the beginning of Ramadan. Some rely strictly on physical moon sightings within their borders, while others use astronomical calculations to determine the lunar phase.
In Saudi Arabia, testimonies from individuals who sight the moon are reviewed before the Supreme Court issues a formal declaration.
How the Ramadan Moon Is Sighted
For the crescent to be visible, it must set after the sun. This timing allows the sky to darken sufficiently for observers to detect the thin crescent marking the start of a new lunar month.
Once the moon is confirmed, the month of Ramadan officially begins.
Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is regarded by Muslims as the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad approximately 1,450 years ago. It is observed through fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayers, charity, and reflection.
Throughout the month, Muslims exchange greetings such as “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem,” wishing one another a blessed and generous Ramadan.
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