Several Arab Countries Announce Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the First Day of Ramadan
Several Arab countries have announced that Thursday, February 19, 2026, will be the first day of the sacred month of Ramadan for the year 1447 of the Hijri calendar, after it was impossible to observe the lunar crescent on Tuesday evening.
Oman, Jordan, and Syria Confirm the Start of Ramadan
In Oman, religious authorities had already set the date based on astronomical calculations, confirming that Wednesday would complete the month of Sha'ban. A similar decision was made in Jordan, where the mufti of the Kingdom announced that the crescent was not visible, thus postponing the start of fasting to Thursday. In Syria, the national commission responsible for observing lunar crescents also stated that Wednesday would be the last day of Sha'ban, with Ramadan beginning the next day.
Traditional Criteria for Observing the Lunar Crescent
The religious authorities in these countries emphasized that the announcement is based on traditional criteria for visually observing the lunar crescent, in accordance with the prevailing religious rules. This divergence in dates with other Arab states, which have set the start of the sacred month on Wednesday, is due to differences in methods adopted, between direct observation of the crescent and the use of astronomical calculations, as well as weather conditions and geographical position.
Ramadan Begins in a Region Marked by Tensions and Humanitarian Crises
Ramadan begins this year in a regional context marked by political tensions and persistent humanitarian crises. Despite these challenges, religious authorities have called for making this month a time of solidarity, contemplation, and mutual aid, highlighting its spiritual and social dimension for the concerned populations.
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