Ramadan 2026: Dates, Moon Sighting, and Significance
The holy month of Ramadan for Muslims worldwide is approaching, and in 2026, the first day of fasting is expected to begin in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Thursday, February 19. The exact date, however, depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon, as Islamic months follow the lunar calendar.
How Ramadan is Determined
Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Shaban transitioning to Ramadan. In Saudi Arabia and many Muslim-majority countries, religious authorities rely on eyewitness accounts of the crescent moon to confirm the start of the month, while other countries may use astronomical calculations.
The Moon Sighting Process
For the crescent moon to be visible:
Elongation: The moon must be far enough from the sun to reflect enough light. Typically, a separation of 10–12 degrees is ideal for naked-eye visibility.
Altitude: The moon should be at least 10 degrees above the horizon at sunset to avoid atmospheric interference.
Lag Time: There should be at least 45 minutes between sunset and moonset for clear observation.
Observers face west at sunset on the 29th day of Shaban, looking for a thin crescent. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan begins the next day. If not, Shaban completes 30 days, and fasting starts the following day. In Saudi Arabia, testimonies are submitted to the Supreme Court, which officially declares the start of Ramadan.
Ramadan 2026 Moon Sightings Worldwide
According to astronomical calculations by the Crescent Moon Watch:
The new moon will begin on February 17 at 3:01 PM Mecca time.
At sunset that evening, the crescent will be visible for only three minutes, making it unlikely to be seen globally.
By February 18 evening, the moon will be nearly 26 hours old and more easily visible in most parts of the world.
Regional start dates:
North America: Following astronomical calculations, organizations like the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) have declared February 18 as the first day of fasting.
Europe & Turkiye: The European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) has announced February 19 as the start of Ramadan, as the moon will not be visible on February 17.
Middle East: Most countries, led by Saudi Arabia, will wait for local moon sightings on February 17 before confirming the start, with February 19 expected in most cases.
Asia: Countries including Singapore, India, and Pakistan anticipate the first day of fasting on February 19.
Africa & Oceania: Most nations in these regions will also begin Ramadan on February 19, according to local sightings and calculations.
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The Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is the month when Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad nearly 1,450 years ago. During the month:
Observing Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib), abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations.
Fasting fosters spiritual discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and heightened taqwa (consciousness of God).
It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, prayer, charity, and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).
In many Muslim-majority countries, working hours are reduced, and restaurants are closed during fasting hours to accommodate those observing Ramadan.
Ramadan Greetings
During this holy month, Muslims exchange warm greetings, including:
“Ramadan Mubarak” Wishing a blessed Ramadan
“Ramadan Kareem” Wishing a generous Ramadan
These greetings are shared in different languages and cultural variations, reflecting the global unity of the Islamic faith.
