The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has asked people of the Kingdom to search for the crescent moon for the holy month of Ramadan 2026 on Tuesday evening, February 17, i.e., on the 29th of Sha'ban 1447 AH. The Supreme Court said who ever sight the crescent with the naked eye or with the help of binoculars, notify the nearest court to record their statement of the sighting or call the nearest centre to help them reach the nearest court.
"The Supreme Court hoped that those who have interest in this matter, and joined the committees formed in the regions for this purpose, would take part in this act that benefit all Muslims, in anticipation of reward from God," said a statement published by Saudi Gazette, which publishes official statements of the Saudi government.
Also Read | When Is First Day of Ramadan 2026 in Saudi Arabia? Moon Sighting on This Date in Middle East.
If the crescent moon is sighted on Tuesday (February 17), then the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH will be on Wednesday, February 18. If the crescent is not sighted, Ramadan will start on Thursday, and there will be 30 days in Shabaan.
The sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia also decides the date of Ramzan in India and the sub-continent. According to the calendar, the fist day of Ramadan in India is likely on February 19.