Saudi Arabia on Tuesday formally confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, signalling the commencement of Ramadan 1447.
Following the confirmation of the Hilal, the holy month will begin on Wednesday, with Taraweeh prayers scheduled to take place after the Isha prayer tonight.
A post by @Muslim on X read, “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 some other parts of the world will begin their first day of fasting at dawn on Wednesday, ushering in a month dedicated to prayer, reflection and devotion.
In Japan, however, Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, February 19. The Hilal Vision Committee confirmed the decision after the crescent moon was not sighted.
Muslims across the country will observe their first fast on Thursday, marking the start of the holy month of fasting and prayer.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of 12 months and spans 354 or 355 days. Since it is based on the lunar cycle, the beginning of Ramadan shifts each year.
Observing the fast during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for healthy adult Muslims. Nonetheless, exemptions apply to children, the ill, travellers, and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruating.
The traditional sighting of the crescent moon is used to mark the start of Ramadan as well as the Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Throughout the holy month, many Muslim-majority nations adjust work and school hours to provide greater opportunity for worship and family engagement.
