Crescent Moon of Ramadan 2026 Sighted in Saudi Arabia, First Day of Fasting on February 18

The crescent moon of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH has been sighted in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening, February 17. Therefore, the first day of fasting for Ramzan 2026 will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has announced setting up the observatories across the Kingdom.

BREAKING NEWS | The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia.
Therefore, Ramadhān 1447 will begin tonight.

May Allāh ﷻ accept our siyām, qiyām & acts of worship, and may He grant us the ability to utilise the precious moments of this Blessed month to engage in that which… pic.twitter.com/NT5aWd5TiW

— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) February 17, 2026

Taraweeh Prayers (special night prayers) will begin in the two holy mosques (Mecca and Madina) after Isha prayers. 

Also Read | Japan Announces First Day of Ramadan On February 19 As Crescent Moon Not Sighted.

Earlier, Abdulaziz Al-Muainaa, from Al Hareeq Observatory, had said that the sun will set at 5.52 and the sighting of the crescent moon will be suitable. Moon-sighting had taken place in Hawtat Sudair and Tumair in Al-Majma’ah Governorate.

When Will Ramadan Start in India?

Typically, Ramadan begins a day after Saudi Arabia in South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. As the crescent moon was sighted in KSA today. Therefore, the first fasting in India is on Thursday, February 19, 2026. However, Indian Muslims will attempt to sight the moon on Wednesday (February 18) evening.