Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The authorities in Saudi Arabia have officially announced the sighting of the new crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447 AH.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia confirmed that verified reports of the moon sighting were received from approved observation committees across the Kingdom. As a result, Muslims in Saudi Arabia will begin the Ramadan fast on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with the first Taraweeh prayers observed on Tuesday night.
The announcement follows the Islamic tradition of determining the start of Ramadan through the physical sighting of the crescent moon, a practice observed by many Muslim-majority countries worldwide.
Saudi Arabia’s confirmation is often closely followed by other nations, particularly across the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia, as they finalize their own Ramadan commencement dates.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims, characterized by fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, charity, and reflection.
Further announcements are expected from religious authorities in other countries as moon sighting results are confirmed.
Here in Nigeria , the authorities in charge of Islamic affairs in the country is yet to make official announcement on the commencement of the sacred month of Ramadan.
