Saudi Arabia has officially sighted the crescent moon for Ramadan 1447 AH, confirming that the holy month of fasting will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The sighting was announced on Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026, making Tuesday the final day of Sha’ban, the month preceding Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Inside Haramain, the official publication of the Two Holy Mosques, posted the confirmation:
“Ramadan 1447/2026 Crescent has been SIGHTED. Subsequently, tomorrow, i.e., Wednesday, 18 February 2026, will be the first day of Ramadan 1447.”
Ramadan Mubarak!
The Islamic lunar calendar determines the start and end of Ramadan based on the physical sighting of the new crescent moon. Months last either 29 or 30 days, and the global Muslim community traditionally aligns with sightings in Saudi Arabia, particularly for major observances.
In Nigeria, however, Muslims await the official declaration from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
On Monday, February 16, 2026, the Sultan had urged Muslims nationwide to search for the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday evening and to report any credible sighting immediately through designated channels provided by the NSCIA.
The Sultanate Council statement, signed by Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Junaidu, read in part:
“Muslims across the country are hereby requested to look out for the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and to report any credible sighting to the Sultan of Sokoto promptly.”
Once the Sultan makes an official announcement, Nigerian Muslims will commence fasting accordingly.
BREAKING:
The Crescent of Ramadan 1447/2026 has been sighted in Saudi Arabia!
Subsequently, Ramadan 1447/2026 begins tomorrow, 18th February 2026.
Taraweeh Prayers will begin in the Two Holy Mosques after Isha Prayers.
InsidetheHaramain
Ramadan is observed by abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn until sunset, while engaging in increased prayer, charity, Quran recitation, and reflection. It commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 1,400 years ago.
