Muslims and Christians around the world have entered their major fasting seasons at the same time, as Ramadan and Lent both began on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 — a rare occurrence that last happened more than three decades ago.
This simultaneous observance is significant for both faiths, as Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is shorter than the solar calendar by about 10 to 11 days each year. Because of this difference, the start dates of Ramadan and Lent only align roughly once every 33 years.
Across countries such as Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, Muslims began fasting at dawn on Wednesday, marking the start of a month devoted to prayer, reflection, self-discipline, and devotion. Religious authorities confirmed the beginning of Ramadan after the crescent moon was sighted, signalling the commencement of Ramadan 1447.
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto announced Wednesday as the first day of fasting after reports confirmed moon sightings across many parts of the country. Muslim faithful were encouraged to observe the fast in line with Islamic teachings and to use the holy month to pray for peace, good leadership, and improved security nationwide.
However, the start of Ramadan is not uniform worldwide. Countries including Japan, Oman, Singapore, and Turkey are set to begin fasting on Thursday, February 19, following their own moon sighting assessments.
At the same time, Christians have entered the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days until Easter. Lent is a period marked by fasting, prayer, repentance, and charitable acts, guided by the Gregorian calendar — a key reason the two fasting seasons rarely begin together.
As Lent commenced, the Catholic leader, Pope Leo XIV, called on Christians to embrace restraint not only in food, but also in speech. He urged believers to avoid words that cause harm or offence, describing mindful speech as a meaningful but often overlooked form of sacrifice.
The Pope also emphasized the importance of listening — to God and to one another — noting that genuine relationships and compassion grow through attentiveness, especially toward the poor and those who suffer. He highlighted fasting as a spiritual tool that helps believers rediscover their longing for justice and resist complacency.
With both Muslims and Christians fasting simultaneously, religious leaders say the rare overlap offers a unique opportunity to strengthen mutual respect, encourage peaceful coexistence, and deepen interfaith understanding around the world.
