Ramadan 2026: Countries Confirm First Day of Fasting as Others Await Moon Sighting
Muslim communities worldwide are preparing for the commencement of Ramadan 2026, with governments and religious authorities actively determining the official first day of fasting. The process involves a delicate balance between modern astronomical science and traditional crescent moon observation methods, leading to varied announcements across different nations.
Scientific Approach Versus Traditional Methods
The Islamic calendar operates on a lunar cycle, meaning each month begins with the sighting of a new moon. This fundamental principle creates natural variations in Ramadan start dates across regions due to differences in geographical visibility and methodological approaches. Some countries prioritize pre-calculated astronomical data to establish dates well in advance, while others maintain the practice of waiting until the eve of the expected start to confirm through physical moon sighting reports.
For Ramadan 2026, most countries planned moon sighting attempts for Tuesday, February 17. However, astronomical assessments indicated that the crescent moon would set before sunset across extensive areas of the Middle East and beyond, making visibility virtually impossible. This scientific prediction has prompted several nations to formally complete the month of Shaaban as thirty days and confirm Thursday, February 19, as the definitive first day of fasting.
Countries That Have Officially Confirmed February 19
Oman: Oman emerged as the first Gulf country to officially confirm Ramadan 2026. Authorities cited astronomical data showing the moon would set before sunset on the twenty-ninth of Shaaban across all governorates, effectively ruling out any possibility of sighting. Consequently, Wednesday, February 18, was declared the final day of Shaaban.
Turkey: Turkey announced February 19 as the commencement of Ramadan based on pre-calculated astronomical criteria. The nation employs a systematic approach that declares a new lunar month when visibility is deemed possible anywhere sharing the same night, allowing for advanced planning and coordination.
Singapore: Singapore confirmed Thursday as the first day of fasting following thorough assessments that indicated the moon would set before the sun on the observation night. The country applies local visibility criteria that are firmly grounded in scientific calculations, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Australia: Australia also established February 19 as the inaugural day of Ramadan after receiving advice from national religious bodies. The first night of Taraweeh prayers will be observed on Wednesday evening, February 18, marking the beginning of spiritual preparations for the holy month.
Nations Awaiting Final Confirmation
In Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, authorities are expected to confirm the start of Ramadan after traditional crescent moon sighting procedures, although current projections strongly indicate Thursday, February 19. Similar cautious approaches are being adopted in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt, where religious authorities prefer to combine scientific data with physical verification.
In Pakistan, meteorological officials have suggested that the crescent moon might be visible on the evening of February 18. Religious authorities will make the final determination after carefully reviewing all sighting reports from across the country, ensuring community consensus.
Duration and Conclusion of Ramadan
Ramadan 2026 will last either twenty-nine or thirty days, depending entirely on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon that marks its conclusion. Eid al-Fitr, the festival celebrating the end of fasting, is astronomically expected to occur around March 20, though official confirmation will again depend on local declarations and traditional observation methods.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Abubakar, holds the authority to declare the start and end of Ramadan in Nigeria. This follows earlier announcements regarding other Islamic months, demonstrating the ongoing importance of traditional leadership in religious calendar determinations.
