Ramadan 1447 kicks off as Saudi confirms moon sighting

By Lawrence Agbo

Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447.

The holy month of Ramadan will begin on Wednesday with the Hilal confirmed, while Taraweeh prayers will be held after the Isha prayer tonight.

Saudi Arabia announces the first day of fasting for Ramadan to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 according to a post on X “BREAKING” by @Muslim.

“Taraweeh will begin tonight on the first evening of the blessed month.

It’s recommended to follow the fasting time designated by your local community and country.”

Muslims in some part of the world like Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates will begin their first day of fasting at dawn on Wednesday, ushering in a month dedicated to prayer, reflection and devotion.

However,In Japan, Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, February 19.

This decision was confirmed by The Hilal Vision Committee after the crescent moon was not sighted.

Muslims across the country are expected to observe their first fast on Thursday, marking the start of the holy month of fasting and prayer.

Meanwhile, Oman, Singapore and Turkey have also officially announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the first day of Ramadan 2026.

Muslims in these countries will begin fasting on Thursday as the holy month commences. The decision was made after the crescent moon was not sighted, in line with their traditional lunar observation processes.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which has 12 months and lasts 354 or 355 days. Because it follows the lunar cycle, the start date of Ramadan changes every year.