Saudi Arabia Sights Moon For Ramadan, Fasting Begins On Wednesday
The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, signalling the beginning of Ramadan fasting on Wednesday.
According to Inside Haramain, a publication of the Two Holy Mosques, the moon was spotted on Tuesday evening, which means February 17 is the last day of the month of Sha’ban that precedes Ramadan.
“Ramadan 1447/2026 Crescent has been SIGHTED. Subsequently, tomorrow, i.e., Wednesday, 18 February 2026, will be the first day of Ramadan 1447,” the post reads. Ramadan fasting is determined by the lunar Islamic calendar, in which months span either 29 or 30 days. Muslims across the globe commence and conclude fasting in the month based on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Meanwhile, Muslims in Nigeria will wait for an announcement from the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, to begin the Ramadan fasting. Get News Updates on WhatsAppReceive instant breaking news, headlines, and trending stories as they happen. On Monday, Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, urged Muslims across Nigeria to commence the search for the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The call was contained in an official statement issued in Sokoto on Monday by the Sultanate Council and signed by Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Junaidu. “Muslims who sight the crescent moon after sunset on Tuesday are expected to immediately report the sighting to the Sultan through designated contact numbers provided by the council.
“Muslims across the country are hereby requested to look out for the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and to report any credible sighting to the Sultan of Sokoto promptly,” the statement read.
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