Ramadan crescent sighting 2026: Muslims around the world are preparing for the month of Ramadan as the sighting of the crescent indicates the start of fasting, prayer and meditation in different countries.
Ramadan 2026: Ramadan, Ramadan or Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar (Hijri) calendar. It begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and marks the period of fasting, prayer and meditation observed by Muslims around the world. The crescent moon is usually sighted for the first time in Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates and the United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia, as well as in some parts of India and Western countries, while India usually begins Ramadan the next day. (Read also: Date and timing of Ramadan 2026: Will fasting begin on February 18 or 19? Learn about prayer times in Saudi Arabia, India and the United Kingdom )
This year, the crescent moon is expected to appear on Tuesday, February 17, around 6:20 pm local time in Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In India, it will likely be visible on Wednesday, February 18, between 6:15 pm and 6:45 pm, pending official confirmation from local authorities. Here’s a look at the countries where Ramadan will begin and on what date.
Indonesia
Indonesia officially announced that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after the crescent was not sighted at the beginning of the month. The decision was taken following the country’s traditional Asaba (Crescent Sighting) process led by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which marks the beginning of Ramadan every year.
The announcement is in line with many other countries in Asia and beyond that are also awaiting a confirmed moon sighting, with many indicating a start on February 19, based on local observations.
Malaysia
Malaysian authorities reported that no Ramadan crescent was sighted on Tuesday. As a result, Wednesday, February 18 will be the last day of the month of Shaban, and fasting will begin on Thursday, February 19. The announcement was made by Keeper of the Seal of the Rulers of Malaysia, Tan Sri Syed Daniel Syed Ahmad, after feedback from 29 locations across the country.
Brunei
Likewise, Brunei confirmed that Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, after astronomy authorities reported that the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday. The first day of fasting will be observed as an official holiday, in line with the country’s Islamic calendar.
Japan and the Philippines
The Crescent Sighting Committee in Japan and the Mufti of the Philippines, Sheikh Abdul Rauf Gyalani, announced that the first day of Ramadan The month of Ramadan will also fall on February 19, 2026, after the crescent is not sighted.
Singapore
The Ramadan crescent was also not seen in Singapore, which confirms that Thursday, February 19, is the first of Ramadan.
turkey
Türkiye – The authorities confirmed that the first day of Ramadan will be next February 19, after the crescent was not sighted on Tuesday evening.
Oman
The main crescent sighting committee in the Sultanate of Oman announced that Thursday, February 19, 2026 is the first day of the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH. The decision comes after astronomical calculations indicated that the crescent will not be visible on Tuesday, February 17, as the moon will set before sunset across the country, making visual monitoring impossible.
Australia
The Australian Fatwa Council confirmed that the month of Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, after consultations headed by Mufti Dr. Ibrahim Abu Muhammad.
Qatar
The first day of Ramadan in Qatar will begin on February 18, as the local authorities officially announced.
Other countries
Not all countries will look for the Ramadan crescent on the same evening. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Morocco, and Mauritania will not observe the crescent tonight, as Tuesday falls on the 28th day of Shaban only in these countries.
With the crescent moon not being sighted in multiple regions, Thursday, February 19, 2026, will mark the official start of Ramadan in many parts of Asia, including Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Japan and Singapore.
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with more than 3 years of experience. She is a graduate in Psychology and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from IIMC, Delhi. She writes about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from on-trend styles to wellness routines. She loves having candid conversations with celebrities, doctors, designers, and movie personalities about fitness, beauty, and everything fun in between. With her keen eye for trends and a strong love of storytelling, she adds a personal and thoughtful touch to everything she writes. When she’s not working, she can usually be found lost in a book or on a hike in the mountains.Read more
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