Saudi Arabia Announces Official Date for 2026 Ramadan Moon Sighting
Saudi authorities have released a crucial update regarding the moon sighting for Ramadan 1447 AH, which corresponds to the year 2026. This announcement comes as Muslims worldwide prepare for the annual observation of the crescent moon that signals the beginning of the sacred month of fasting, worship, and spiritual reflection.
Official Announcement from Saudi Arabia
The important notice was shared by Inside the Haramain, a prominent and widely-followed platform that provides real-time updates and news from the two holy mosques in Saudi Arabia: Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. According to the message, which was disseminated publicly on social media, the crescent moon for Ramadan 1447 AH will be searched on the evening of Tuesday, 29 Sha'ban 1447, which falls on February 17, 2026.
This official date sets the stage for the global Muslim community to begin their preparations for the holy month. The sighting of the crescent moon is a critical religious event that determines the exact start of Ramadan, making this announcement highly significant for millions of faithful around the world.
Nigerian Muslims Await Sultan's Declaration
In Nigeria, the commencement of Ramadan is traditionally announced by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, who serves as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) typically coordinates reports from moon sighting committees across the country before the Sultan issues the final declaration.
Muslims throughout Nigeria have been encouraged to actively participate in the moon-sighting exercise. They are urged to report any credible sightings to their nearest District Head or Village Head, who will then convey the information through appropriate channels to the Sultan of Sokoto. The Advisory Committee has emphasized that this exercise is a religious obligation requiring seriousness and diligence, and has called on the faithful to comply fully with the directive.
When Will Ramadan 2026 Likely Begin?
While Saudi authorities have set the official moon sighting date for February 17, 2026, the actual start of Ramadan depends on whether the crescent is successfully observed on that evening. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan will begin the following day. If not, it will commence a day later. Muslims are generally advised to await the final official confirmation from their country's recognized moon sighting authority before beginning their fasts.
In a related development, the Sultan of Sokoto has previously declared Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as the first day of Sha'aban 1447 AH. This announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday, January 19, 2026, and signed by Yahaya Muhammad Boyi, the Sarkin Malaman Sokoto, on behalf of the National Moonsighting Committee of Nigeria. According to Islamic tradition, the 29th day of Rajab 1447 AH, which corresponded to that Monday, was the appropriate day to sight the crescent that would determine the start of Sha'aban.
As the global Muslim community gears up for Ramadan 2026, the coordination between international authorities like those in Saudi Arabia and national bodies such as the NSCIA in Nigeria highlights the unity and shared religious practices that define this holy period. The final announcements will guide millions in their spiritual observances, reinforcing the importance of moon sighting in Islamic tradition.
