Ramazan 2026: Moon Sighted in Gulf, February 18 set as First Fasting Day in Gulf, Afghanistan

Turkiye, Malaysia, Azerbaijan report no crescent sighting

RIYADH/DUBIA: The Ramazan moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf states on Tuesday night, confirming that Muslims in the Gulf region and Afghanistan will begin observing Ramazan on February 18.

The countries reporting no sighting include Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Japan, Turkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei.

Meanwhile, the moon sighting committees of Pakistan, Iran, India, and Bangladesh are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, February 18, as Tuesday marks the 28th of Shaban.

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia made the official confirmation regarding the beginning of the holy month for the year 1447 AH. The Crescent of Ramazan 1447/2026 has been sighted in Saudi Arabia! Subsequently, Ramadan 1447/2026 begins on February 18, 2026 Taraweeh Prayers will begin in the Two Holy Mosques after Isha Prayers.

In a statement shared by official Saudi channels, authorities in the kingdom said the Ramadan crescent for the year 1447 in the Islamic calendar was seen on Tuesday, making Wednesday the first day of the holy month.

The Taliban-run Supreme Court also announced that Wednesday would mark the beginning of Ramazan in the country. In a statement, the court said that reports of the moon sighting had been confirmed in several provinces and deemed credible under Islamic law.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Kuwait also announced that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18, following confirmed sightings of the crescent moon.

However, several countries that looked for the Ramadan crescent today reported that it was not sighted. As a result, the month of Shaban will complete 30 days on February 18, with the first day of fasting observed on February 19. The Muslim world welcomes Ramazan with deep religious devotion, as over a billion believers fast to practice patience, self-discipline, and generosity.