The crescent moon marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, confirming that fasting will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Saudi-based media platform Haramain announced the sighting on Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026, stating that the moon was visible, making Tuesday the final day of Sha’ban.
The platform posted:
“Crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Ramadhān 1447 will begin tonight.
May Allāh ﷻ accept our siyām, qiyām & acts of worship, and may He grant us the ability to utilise the precious moments of this Blessed month to engage in that which pleases Him. Aameen.”
Earlier in the day, moon-sighting efforts were focused on Hawtat Sudair and Tumair in Al-Majma’ah Governorate. Abdulaziz Al-Muainaa from Al Hareeq Observatory had noted favourable weather conditions, with sunset occurring at exactly 5:52 pm.
In line with global Islamic tradition, many Muslims worldwide align the beginning and end of Ramadan with the official sighting in Saudi Arabia, the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
In Nigeria, however, the official commencement of Ramadan awaits confirmation from the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
On Monday, February 16, 2026, the Sultan had urged Muslims across the country to search for the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday evening and to report any credible sighting promptly through the designated channels provided by the NSCIA.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest month in Islam. It commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which falls during the last ten nights of the month.
During Ramadan, observant Muslims fast daily from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib), abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations while increasing acts of worship, charity, Quran recitation, and reflection.
