Saudi Arabia Confirms Crescent, Ramadan Fasting Begins Wednesday

Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the Crescent moon, signalling the commencement of Ramadan 1447.

Global Mirror News reports that with the confirmation of the Hilal on Tuesday, the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Taraweeh prayers are scheduled to commence after the Isha prayer on Tuesday night, marking the first evening of the sacred month.

A post by @Muslim on X stated, “BREAKING: 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. It’s recommended to follow the fasting time designated by your local community and Country.”

Muslims in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and several other Countries are expected to begin fasting at dawn on Wednesday, ushering in a month devoted to prayer, reflection and spiritual devotion.

However, Global Mirror News gathered that in Japan, Ramadan 2026 will commence on Thursday, February 19, following the decision of the Hilal Vision Committee after the crescent moon was not sighted. Muslims in the Country will observe their first fast on Thursday.

Similarly, Oman, Singapore and Turkey have declared Thursday, February 19, as the first day of Ramadan 2026. Authorities in the Countries said the decision followed the non-sighting of the crescent moon in line with their established lunar observation procedures.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of 12 months and spans 354 or 355 days. Because the calendar follows the lunar cycle, the start date of Ramadan shifts annually.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for healthy adult Muslims. Exemptions apply to young children, the sick, travellers, and women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating.

The sighting of the crescent moon remains a long-standing Islamic tradition used to determine the beginning of Ramadan as well as the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

In many Muslim-majority Countries, working hours and school schedules are typically adjusted during the holy month to allow for increased worship and family engagements.

More than 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide are expected to observe the month-long fast from dawn to sunset each day.