Saudi Arabia sights crescent moon as fasting begins Wednesday

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447.

With the Hilal confirmed, the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, while Taraweeh prayers will be held 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.

Meanwhile, Iran, Oman, Singapore and Turkey have also officially announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the first day of Ramadan 2026.

The decision was made after the crescent moon was not sighted, in line with their traditional lunar observation processes. Muslims in these countries will begin fasting on Thursday as the holy month commences.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which has 12 months and lasts 354 or 355 days. Because it follows the lunar cycle, the start date of Ramadan changes every year.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is compulsory for healthy adult Muslims. However, exemptions are granted to young children, the sick, travellers and women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating.

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The sighting of the crescent moon is a long-standing tradition used to determine the beginning of Ramadan and the major Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

During the holy month, working hours and school schedules are often shortened in many Muslim-majority countries to allow more time for worship and family More than 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide are expected to observe the month of fasting from sunrise to sunset each day.