Saudi Arabia Announces Start of 2026 Ramadan
Last update: February 17, 2026
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Saudi Arabia announces Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan after sighting the crescent moon.
Saudi Arabia has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan following the sighting of the crescent moon.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the crescent moon was successfully observed by the official sighting committee on Tuesday evening, paving the way for the commencement of the holy month.
CBI News reports that the announcement confirms that Muslims in the Kingdom will begin fasting on Wednesday.
Other countries, including Qatar, have also announced February 18 as the start of Ramadan 2026.
In Nigeria, however, Muslims are awaiting official confirmation from the Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, through the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC).
The Sultan, who is also President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had earlier urged Muslims across the country to look out for the new moon from the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
His message was conveyed in a statement issued by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Is-haq Oloyede.
According to the Sultan, if the moon was sighted on Tuesday, February 17, Ramadan would begin on Wednesday, February 18.
Otherwise, fasting would commence on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset.
Beyond abstaining from food and drink, the month is marked by increased prayers, acts of charity, and for those who are able, the performance of the Umrah pilgrimage.
