As the Islamic world prepares for Ramadan 2026, the focus turns to the critical moon-sighting announcements that will determine the start of the holy month.
Muslim authorities in countries are set to convene in late February to confirm the first day of fasting after observing the crescent moon (Hilal).
These declarations often vary by country due to differences in lunar visibility, regional traditions, or reliance on astronomical calculations.
Islamic nations are now finalizing their moon-sighting protocols, with committees poised to scan the skies after sunset on February 17, 2025. Bookmark this page and refresh regularly for the latest announcements.
- Oman: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Turkey: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Singapore: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Australia: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Turkey: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Brunei: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Malaysia: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Indonesia: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Japan: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Philippines: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Saudi Arabia: Ramadan to start on February 18, 2026
- UAE: Ramadan to start on February 18, 2026
- Qatar: Ramadan to start on February 18, 2026
- Kuwait: Ramadan to start on February 18, 2026
- Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon: Ramadan to start on February 18, 2026
- Bahrain: Ramadan to start on February 18, 2026
- Yemen: Ramadan to start on February 18, 2026
- Egypt: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Bangladesh, India: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
- Pakistan: Ramadan to start on February 19, 2026
Bangladesh: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
Bangladesh will begin Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, after the crescent moon was sighted.
The confirmation was issued by the National Moon Sighting Committee following a meeting at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.
Pakistan: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
Pakistan has confirmed that Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after the crescent moon was sighted.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee received more than 40 verified moon sighting reports, mainly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The official announcement was made by Abdul Khabeer Azad.
India: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
India will also start Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, after reports confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon.
Indian media said the moon was seen in Allahabad, a major city in Uttar Pradesh, allowing fasting to begin the next day.
Yemen: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted, First Ramadan on February 18
Yemen has confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, will be the first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon was sighted.
The announcement allows Muslims across the country to begin fasting and prayers on Wednesday.
Egypt: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
Egypt has announced that Ramadan will start on Thursday, February 19, after the crescent moon was not sighted locally.
As a result, the month of Shaaban will complete 30 days before fasting begins.
Bahrain: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted, First Ramadan on February 18
Bahrain has confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, will be the first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon was sighted.
With the announcement made, communities across the country are getting ready for a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted, First Ramadan on February 18
Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon have confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, will be the first day of Ramadan.
The decision follows confirmed crescent moon sightings, with communities preparing to begin a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
Kuwait: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted, First Ramadan on February 18
Kuwait has confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, will be the first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon was observed.
Authorities carried out traditional moon sightings, and communities are now preparing for a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
UAE: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted, First Ramadan on February 18
The Presidential Court has announced that Wednesday, February 18, will be the first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon was sighted.
The declaration follows confirmation from the official moon-sighting committee.
Qatar: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted, First Ramadan on February 18
Qatar has confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, will be the first day of Ramadan after local crescent moon observations were verified.
The announcement was made following checks by the country’s religious and astronomical committees, with communities preparing for fasting, prayers, and charitable activities.
Saudi Arabia: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted, First Ramadan on February 18
Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, will be the first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon was sighted.
Authorities announced that the holy month will begin with fasting and prayers across the Kingdom.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have confirmed that Thursday, February 19, will be the first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon was not seen on Tuesday evening.
Religious authorities in these countries stated that the month of Shaaban will complete 30 days, with fasting beginning the next day.
Philippines: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
The Philippine National Commission on Muslim Filipinos has announced that Ramadan will start on Thursday, February 19, after the crescent moon was not sighted.
The declaration followed moon sighting activities conducted in coordination with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Darul Ifta, various Ulama groups, and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Japan: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
Japan has announced that Thursday, February 19, will be the first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon could not be confirmed.
The decision was shared by the Hilal Vision Committee, following unsuccessful moon sighting efforts.
Indonesia: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
Indonesia has set Thursday, February 19, as the start of Ramadan after authorities confirmed that the crescent moon was not visible.
Malaysia: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
Malaysia has confirmed that Thursday, February 19, will be the first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon was not sighted.
Brunei: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
Brunei’s religious authorities announced they could not see the new moon on Tuesday night. Wednesday, February 18 will be the last day of the previous month (Sha’aban). Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19. A religious judge confirmed this on Brunei’s national TV.
Turkey: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
Turkey’s religious leaders have announced that Ramadan will start on Thursday, February 19. They looked for the new moon on Tuesday night but could not see it. Since the moon wasn’t visible in Turkey and nearby areas, they decided Ramadan begins on Thursday instead.
Australia: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
The Australian Fatwa Council has confirmed, based on astronomical calculations, that the crescent moon was not visible, meaning Ramadan 1447 AH will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The first Taraweeh prayers will be observed after Isha on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Singapore: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has confirmed that the crescent moon was not visible as it is expected to set before sunset, meaning Ramadan 1447 AH will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The first Taraweeh prayers will take place after Isha on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Turkey: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
The Presidency of Religious Affairs has announced that the crescent moon was not visible based on astronomical assessments, confirming that Ramadan 1447 AH will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The first Taraweeh prayers will be observed after Isha on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Oman: Ramadan 2026 Moon Not Sighted, First Ramadan on February 19
The official Hijri Committee has announced that the crescent moon was not visible, which means Ramadan 1447 AH will now begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The first Taraweeh prayers are scheduled to take place after Isha on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
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Australia were very fast to announce
Because they’re ahead of us compared in times.