Ramadan 2026 moon sighting: Saudi Arabia confirms crescent moon sighting—here's when Ramadan begins

Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the start of Ramadan 2026 after moon spotters verified the crescent on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. The announcement marks the beginning of Ramadan 1447 in the Islamic calendar. Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court declared on Tuesday that the Kingdom had seen the crescent moon that marks the beginning of Ramadan, as per a report by Arab News.

As a result, Muslims will abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins on Wednesday, February 18, as per a report by Gulf News.

Moon sighting committees confirmed the development, which was also shared in a social media post on X.


“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."

With the crescent now confirmed, Ramadan will begin at sundown, ushering in the holiest month of the Islamic year for nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide, including roughly 1% of Ohio’s population, as quoted in a report by The Columbus Dispatch.

Why is the moon sighting important?

The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the waxing crescent moon. Until the moon is officially verified, the exact date remains unconfirmed. With Saudi Arabia announcing the sighting, tomorrow has been declared the first day of Ramadan.

What does Ramadan commemorate?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is regarded as the most sacred month of the year. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) on the Night of Decree, Laylat Al Qadr, which is observed during the last ten nights of Ramadan.

How long will Ramadan 2026 last?

Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the end of the month. For 2026, Dubai’s astronomical forecasts indicate that Ramadan is likely to be a 29-day month, subject to official moon sighting confirmation.

FAQs

When does Ramadan 2026 begin?
Ramadan 1447 begins on Feb. 18, 2026, following the confirmed crescent moon sighting on Feb. 17.

How long will Ramadan 2026 last?
Ramadan will last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the next crescent moon.