List of countries that will start Ramadan on Wednesday and those that will begin on Thursday

Tunisia Announces Ramadan Start on Thursday, 19 February 2026

Tunisia has announced that Thursday, 19 February 2026 will mark the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, after the lunar crescent could not be sighted.

The same day coincides with Egypt’s announcement, while several other countries – including France – will begin fasting as early as Wednesday, 18 February.

Distribution by Country

Countries where Ramadan will start on Wednesday, 18 February 2026

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Iraq
• Yemen
• Lebanon
• Palestine
• France

Countries where fasting will begin on Thursday, 19 February 2026 (led by Tunisia and Egypt)

1. Tunisia
2. Egypt
3. Brunei
4. Thailand
5. Turkey
6. Singapore
7. Oman
8. Japan
9. Indonesia
10. Malaysia
11. Syria
12. Jordan

This variation illustrates the differences in lunar‑crescent observation and the astronomical calculations used by each nation. Believers are encouraged to follow local official announcements to confirm the exact start of the fast.

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