Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted In Saudi Arabia, Here’s When Holy Month Will Commence In India

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri), has been marked by crescent moon sightings in elements of the Gulf, signalling the start of the holy month within the area. The observance, also called Ramzan, Ramzaan or Ramazan, begins with the sighting of the “Hilal” (crescent moon) and ushers in a interval of fasting, prayer and reflection for Muslims worldwide.

Moon Sighting Timeline

The crescent moon was anticipated to be seen in Gulf nations similar to Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Tuesday, February 17, at round 6:20 PM native time. In India, the Hilal is anticipated to be sighted on Wednesday, February 18, between 6:15 PM and 6:45 PM, which might decide the beginning of Ramadan within the nation.

Usually, Gulf nations announce the start of Ramadan a day earlier than India, in step with regional moon sighting traditions.

Bulletins From Different Nations

In the Philippines, the Nationwide Fee on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) declared that Ramadan will start on February 19 after confirming that the crescent moon was not sighted. In its official assertion, the Fee mentioned:

“Because the nationwide authorities company tasked with offering correct info relating to the considerations and welfare of Muslim Filipinos…hereby pronounces that, based mostly on the outcomes of the moon sighting actions carried out by the NCMF, in coordination with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Area in Muslim Mindanao Darul Ifta and varied Ulama teams, in addition to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Providers Administration, the Moon (Hilal) was not sighted.”

Oman has additionally introduced February 19 as the primary day of Ramadan after the crescent was not sighted in accordance with its conventional lunar commentary course of.

Iranian authorities are anticipated to make their announcement following lunar observations, with Ramadan more likely to start on both Thursday, February 19, or Friday, February 20.

In the meantime, the skies over Tumair are beneath shut commentary, with the Ramadan 1447 crescent moon being monitored.

Preparations Underway

Because the holy month approaches, authorities in Ras Al Khaimah have stepped up safety and visitors patrols round locations of worship and markets. Measures embrace strict motion in opposition to begging, public consciousness initiatives and round the clock emergency preparedness to make sure neighborhood security.

In India, preparations are seen in markets similar to Srinagar, the place shopkeepers are stocking dates and dry fruits. Distributors are arranging their items in anticipation of elevated footfall as households put together for the month of fasting.

With the sighting bulletins unfolding throughout areas, communities are awaiting affirmation of the primary day of Ramadan 2026.