Moon‑Sighting for Ramadan 2026: When the Holy Month Begins
According to several official announcements and astronomical calendars, a number of Muslim‑majority countries are set to sight the new crescent moon on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. The sighting will determine whether the sacred month of fasting starts on Thursday, 19 February or Friday, 20 February.
Countries Observing the Crescent on 18 February
| Country / Region | Observation Day | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco & Mauritania | Wednesday (the 28th day of Sha‘ban in these nations) | Their lunar month began one day later, so the sighting aligns with the local calendar. |
| Pakistan | Wednesday evening | – |
| Bangladesh | Wednesday evening | – |
| Iran | Wednesday evening | – |
| Selected religious committees in India | Wednesday evening | – |
What Happens Next?
- The final decision on the start of Ramadan will be based on the results of the moon‑sighting.
- Competent religious authorities will announce the official date within the next few hours.
- Once confirmed, Muslim communities can plan prayers, fasting schedules, and the various rites associated with the holy month.
“The announcement will allow believers to organize their worship and daily life in accordance with the lunar calendar.”
For more details, see the original announcement from Algeria:
Algeria Announces the Official Start Date of Ramadan{: .ue4eaf601fe69a13ffc004fca381527f7 target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}
Keywords: Ramadan 2026, moon sighting, crescent moon, Ramadan start date, Muslim countries, Sha‘ban, fasting, Islamic calendar
