Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting Highlights: Crescent moon confirmed in Saudi Arabia, first Roza to be observed Tomorrow

Authorities in Saudi Arabia have officially confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon. With the Hilal sighted, Ramadan 1447 will begin tonight across the Kingdom. Muslims will observe their first day of fasting as the holy month of prayer, reflection and devotion commences.

As the sun set in Saudi Arabia, officials confirmed that the search for the Ramadan 1447 crescent has begun in the Eastern Provinces. Moon sighting teams are actively scanning the sky to determine whether the holy month will commence the following day. The final decision will be announced after verified reports are reviewed by the relevant authorities.

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have announced that Ramadan will begin on Thursday. Religious authorities in these countries confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening. As a result, the month of Shaaban will complete 30 days, and the first day of fasting will commence the following day. (According to Gulf News)

Ramadan 2026 Live: Saudi Arabia finalises preparations for Ramadan Ccescent sighting

Saudi Arabia is completing final arrangements for the Ramadan 2026 crescent observation at the Tabuk Observatory, the last location in the Kingdom where sunset occurs. Officials and moon sighting teams are in position to conduct the annual observation that determines the start of the holy month.

Meanwhile, reports from Al Akhbariyah indicate that weather conditions in Hautat Sudair are being closely monitored. Authorities have stated that preparations remain on schedule as teams get ready for the official lunar sighting.

Ramadan shifts by about 10 to 12 days earlier every year because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar Hijri system.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar year, the lunar calendar consists of 12 months that are either 29 or 30 days long. As a result, the Islamic year is shorter by around 10 to 11 days, causing Ramadan to move earlier each year.

The Oman has 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 the Sultanate’s traditional lunar observation process. Muslims across Oman will begin fasting on Thursday as the holy month commences.

Iran is observing the 28th day of Shaaban today, with authorities set to assess crescent moon sightings tomorrow.

The first day of Ramadan 2026 is expected to fall on Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20, depending on the outcome of official lunar observations. The final declaration will follow confirmation from relevant religious authorities.

Japan has announced that 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 Roza on Thursday, marking the start of the holy month of fasting and prayer.

In Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz Al Muainaa from the Al Hareeq Observatory confirmed that sunset will take place at exactly 5:52 PM.

He noted that current weather conditions are favourable, improving the chances for a clear sighting of the Ramadan crescent. Moon sighting teams are preparing to begin observations shortly after sunset.

Ramadan 2026 Live: Less than one hour to crescent observation in Saudi Arabia

With less than an hour remaining, the sky over Tumair is under close watch as authorities in Saudi Arabia prepare to begin the official search for the Ramadan 1447 crescent.

Moon sighting teams are in position to carry out the annual observation that determines the start of the holy month. The outcome of tonight’s sighting will confirm whether Ramadan begins the following day or after completion of 30 days of Shaban.

Pakistan has confirmed that Tuesday marks the 28th of Shaaban. Authorities will make an official announcement on Wednesday regarding the Ramadan 2026 start date.

The holy month is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20, subject to the sighting of the crescent moon. The final decision will be based on verified reports from the national moon sighting committee.

The Philippines has officially declared that Ramadan 2026 will begin on February 19. Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani announced that the holy month will commence nationwide on that date, marking the start of fasting and special prayers for Muslims across the country.

India is observing the 28th day of Shaaban today, with the official announcement on Ramadan 2026 expected tomorrow.

The holy month is likely to begin on Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. The final confirmation will be issued after verified reports from local moon sighting committees.

Bangladesh is currently observing the 28th day of Shaaban, with authorities set to announce the Ramadan 2026 start date on Wednesday. The holy month is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. The final decision will follow verified reports from the national moon sighting committee. (according to Gulf News)

Ramadan 2026 Live: Moon sighting preparations underway in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has begun preparations for Ramadan 2026 crescent observations, with authorities urging citizens to participate in official moon sighting efforts across the Kingdom. A member of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Abdullah Al Munī‘, stated that there is a brief window of approximately two minutes between sunset and moonset during which the crescent may be visible.

The final confirmation will depend on verified sighting reports submitted to the relevant authorities. (according to Gulf News)

Indonesia has officially announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the first day of Ramadan 2026. The decision was taken after authorities confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted. With this declaration, Muslims across the country will observe their first Roza on Thursday as preparations begin for the holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection. (according to Gulf news)

Türkiye has officially announced that Ramadan 2026 will begin on February 19 after the crescent moon was not sighted. Religious authorities confirmed the decision following astronomical assessments and established national procedures.

With this announcement, Muslims across Türkiye will observe their first Roza on Wednesday. Preparations are now underway in mosques nationwide for Taraweeh prayers, which will begin on the eve of Ramadan as the holy month commences.

Singapore has announced that the crescent moon was not sighted. Authorities confirmed that Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, with the first Roza to be observed nationwide following the completion of 30 days of Shaban.

Malaysia has announced that the crescent moon was not sighted. Authorities confirmed that Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, February 19, after completing 30 days of Shaban.

Brunei has officially announced that the Ramadan crescent was not sighted. Authorities have confirmed that the first day of Ramadan 2026 will be observed on Thursday, February 19, following the completion of 30 days of Shaban.

According to Gulf News, the announcement came after Brunei’s astronomy authorities conducted official lunar observations in line with the country’s established moon sighting procedures.

Ramadan 2026 is likely to conclude at sunset on Thursday, March 19. Eid al Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Friday, March 20, in Saudi Arabia and most Gulf countries, subject to the Shawwal moon sighting.

In India and other South Asian nations, Eid al Fitr will likely be observed on Saturday, March 21, depending on the local sighting of the Shawwal crescent. Official confirmation will follow verified moon sighting reports.

While many nations are preparing for the Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting this evening, some countries will not conduct moon observation today.

Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Morocco and Mauritania are marking only the 28th day of Shaban on Tuesday. As a result, they will look for the Ramadan crescent a day later, which could lead to a difference in the Ramadan start date across regions.

As Ramadan 2026 aligns with the spring equinox, fasting hours are relatively balanced worldwide.

India and South Asia will see fasts of around 12.5 to 14 hours. The Middle East will average 12 to 13 hours. The United Kingdom may experience 13 to 14.5 hours, while parts of the Southern Hemisphere such as New Zealand and Chile could begin with fasts up to 15 hours, gradually becoming shorter as the month continues.

Countries follow different approaches to confirm the Ramadan start date, depending on religious interpretation and tradition. The four commonly used methods are:

1. Local Physical Sighting Ru’yah: This traditional method relies on eyewitness accounts of the crescent moon after sunset on the 29th night of Shaban. Religious committees verify and approve the testimony before announcing Ramadan.
2. Astronomical Calculations: Some countries use scientific data to predict the birth and visibility of the crescent moon. These calculations help determine Ramadan 2026 Dates in advance.
3. Standard Method: Under this approach, a country follows the official announcement made by another nation, often Saudi Arabia, to declare the beginning of Ramadan.
4. Hybrid Approach: This method combines astronomical calculations with physical moon sighting. Calculations guide visibility expectations, but final confirmation depends on actual observation.

The Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting decision will depend on which method each country adopts.

Ramadan holds deep spiritual meaning for Muslims worldwide. It marks the month when the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad around 1,450 years ago. During Ramadan 2026, observant Muslims will fast daily from before the Fajr prayer at dawn until the Maghrib prayer at sunset. The fast includes abstaining from food, drink, smoking and marital relations during daylight hours.

The purpose of fasting is to strengthen taqwa, or consciousness of God. The holy month encourages self discipline, gratitude and spiritual reflection, while increasing acts of prayer, charity and Quran recitation.

Astronomical experts suggest that moon visibility may vary depending on local weather conditions. Clear skies improve chances of crescent sighting, while haze or cloud cover could delay confirmation of the Ramadan start date.

Final confirmation: Subject to official moon sighting announcement

As the world waits for the Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting confirmation, millions prepare to welcome the holy month with devotion, reflection and renewed faith. Stay tuned for live updates on Ramadan 2026 Dates and official announcements from Saudi Arabia and India.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds deep spiritual significance. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this month, Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs.

Ramadan 2026 is expected to bring fasting hours of around 12 to 14 hours, as it coincides with the period close to the spring equinox.

The month encourages self discipline, patience and empathy for those in need. Muslims increase their prayers, offer Taraweeh at night and recite the Holy Quran. Charity, known as Zakat and Sadaqah, is also an important part of this sacred time.

In India, the Ramadan moon sighting 2026 process follows the traditional hilal observation method. Moon sighting committees observe the sky on the 29th night of Shaban after Maghrib prayers.

If the crescent is sighted, Ramadan begins the following day. If not, Shaban completes 30 days before the holy month starts. While astronomical calculations are considered, Islamic scholars continue to prioritise physical moon sighting for confirming the Ramadan start date.

If the crescent moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening, the first Roza in India may be observed on February 19. If the moon is not sighted, then Shaban will complete 30 days and Ramadan will begin on February 20.

In simple terms, if February 18 is declared the last day of Shaban, then fasting will begin the next day. Otherwise, Muslims in India will begin their fast a day later.