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Ramadan Begins As Crescent Is Sighted In Saudi Arabia, Taraweeh To Commence Tonight In Two Holy Mosques
Following the confirmed sighting, authorities announced that Ramadan 1447 will begin on Wednesday february 18, 2026.
Saudi Arabia– The crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447/2026 has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, officially ushering in the holy month of fasting for Muslims across the Kingdom and in many parts of the world.
Following the confirmed sighting, authorities announced that Ramadan 1447 will begin on Wednesday february 18, 2026.
This declaration signals the commencement of dawn-to-dusk fasting, increased acts of worship, and nightly congregational prayers observed by millions of Muslims globally.
In a statement released after the moon sighting, Saudi religious authorities confirmed that special Taraweeh prayers will begin on Monday night, immediately after the Isha prayers, in Islam’s most sacred sites — the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and the Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah.
“The crescent of Ramadan has been sighted this evening. Accordingly, Tuesday, 18th February 2026, marks the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan,” the announcement stated. “Taraweeh prayers will be observed tonight in the Two Holy Mosques following the Isha prayers.”
The sighting, conducted by official moon-sighting committees using both visual observation and astronomical data, aligns with long-standing Islamic tradition, where the beginning of Ramadan is determined by the confirmed appearance of the new moon.
Ramadan holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims, who observe fasting as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The month is marked by increased devotion, recitation of the Qur’an, charitable giving, and communal prayers, particularly the nightly Taraweeh performed in congregation.
The announcement from Saudi Arabia often serves as a reference point for many Muslim-majority countries and communities worldwide, although local moon sightings may still determine the start of Ramadan in other regions.
As the holy month begins, Muslims across the globe are exchanging greetings and prayers, welcoming Ramadan with hopes for spiritual renewal, peace, and mercy.
