The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, declaring Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH in the Saudi Arabia.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the court said it received credible testimonies from authorised moon sighting committees across different regions of the Kingdom. After reviewing and verifying the reports in line with Islamic tradition, the court formally announced the commencement of the holy month.
The confirmation means Muslims in Saudi Arabia will begin fasting from dawn to sunset on Wednesday. The first Taraweeh prayer will be observed after the Isha prayer on Tuesday night.
The decision followed earlier astronomical projections which suggested that the crescent moon might not be visible in some areas. However, Saudi authorities maintained reliance on physical sighting of the moon as prescribed in Islamic tradition.
Saudi Arabia’s declaration is often influential across the Gulf region. Following the announcement, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait also confirmed Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, had yet to make an official pronouncement as of press time.
The Sultan had earlier urged Muslims across the country to await an official directive from his office regarding the commencement of Ramadan in Nigeria.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and charity.
