Ramadan begins tonight as crescent moon is spotted in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has officially sighted the crescent moon marking the commencement of Ramadan 1447.
The announcement was confirmed on Tuesday by Haramain, a Saudi-based media outlet.
With the moon sighting confirmed, authorities are expected to declare Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan, meaning the holy month will begin at sunset tonight.
Earlier, moon-sighting exercises were scheduled to take place in Hawtat Sudair and Tumair, both located in Al-Majma’ah Governorate. According to Abdulaziz Al-Muainaa of the Al Hareeq Observatory, weather conditions were favourable for visibility.
“The sun will set at exactly 5:52pm, and the weather conditions are suitable for sighting the Ramadan crescent,” he had stated prior to the observation.
Confirming the development, Haramain posted: “Crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Ramadan 1447 will begin tonight.”
The platform also extended prayers to Muslims around the world, asking for acceptance of their fasting and acts of worship during the sacred period.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is considered the holiest month for Muslims. It commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), particularly during Laylat al-Qadr, which is observed in the final ten nights of the month.
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