The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially sighted the crescent moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, with fasting set to commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
According to Inside Haramain, a publication focused on the affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, the moon was sighted on Tuesday evening, confirmed that February 17 mark the final day of Sha’ban, the Islamic month preceding Ramadan.
“Ramadan 1447/2026 Crescent has been sighted. Subsequently, Wednesday, 18 February 2026, will be the first day of Ramadan 1447,” the announcement stated.
Ramadan followed the Islamic lunar calendar, in which months last either 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Muslims worldwide begin and end fasting based on verified moon sightings.
Meanwhile, Muslims in Nigeria are awaiting an official declaration from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
Earlier, the Sultan had urged Muslims across the country to observe the sky for the Ramadan moon on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and report any credible sighting through designated channels of the Sultanate Council.
The announcement was conveyed in a statement issued in Sokoto and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Junaidu.
Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity.
