The religious authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, along with other Middle East countries, will announce their decision on sighting of the Ramadan moon on Tuesday evening. If the crescent is sighted, fasting in these countries will start from tomorrow.
During the month of Ramadan, also referred to as Ramzan in the Indian subcontinent, fasting is obligatory for believing Muslims. The holy month lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.
As per the precedent, the month usually begins in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka a day after it starts in the Middle East. If the moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia, UAE and neighbouring countries today, then it is expected to be sighted in the Indian subcontinent on Wednesday. Accordingly, the fasts in this part of the world will begin from Thursday.
The sighting of Ramadan crescent will also mark the start of Taraweeh prayers in the Middle East from this evening. The prayers, held over the next 27 days, are attended by scores of believers during the month.
The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the two biggest festivals observed by the Islamic world.
Saudi Supreme Court Decision On Moon Sighting Expected Shortly
The Saudi Supreme Court is expected to shortly announce its decision on the sighting of Ramadan crescent. The country's religious authority has confirmed the sighting of crescent in eastern provinces. Stay tuned here for the latest updates.
Saudi Arabia Confirms Ramadan Crescent Sighting
"Sighting of the Ramadan 1447/2026 Crescent begins in the Eastern Provinces where the sun has just set," the HaramainInfo, the official social media handle of Saudi Arabia's main religious authority, has tweeted.
Saudi Moon Sighting Announcement Expected In About 20 Minutes
Chief Astronomer in Sudair, Abdullah Al Khudairi, is preparing for the sighting of the Ramadan 1447 Crescent, according to the information shared by the Saudi religious authority officials on social media. The announcement is expected in about 20 minutes.
Saudi Officials Hopeful Of Crescent Sighting
"The atmosphere is suitable for the vision process in Sudair," Astronomer Abdullah Al-Khudairi said, while speaking to Al Ekhbariya. "The stages of the annular eclipse end 25 minutes before sunset," he added.
Saudi Arabia's Decision On Ramadan Moon Sighting Expected Shortly
Saudi Arabia's decision on Ramadan moon sighting is expected to be out shortly, around the Maghrib or evening prayers in the Kingdom. Scores of Muslims worldwide would be tracking the decision to determine the start of fasting dates. In the Indian subcontinent, the moon is sighted generally a day after its visible in the Middle East. Stay tuned here for the latest updates.
Turkey, Indonesia Confirm Ramadan Start From Feb 19
Turkey and Indonesia have confirmed the start of Ramadan fasts from Thursday, February 19. Astronomical experts have indicated that the crescent may not be visible in the Middle East as well today. However, an official announcement from the religious authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is expected shortly.
Slim Chances Of Moon Sighting In Saudi Arabia Today
According to Crescent Moon Watch, operated by the UK’s Nautical Almanac Office, the astronomical new moon will be born at 3:01 pm Mecca time (12:01 GMT) on February 17.
That leaves the crescent extremely young at sunset — and critically, it will set just minutes after the sun.
Will Ramadan Moon Be Sighted In Saudi Arabia Today?
Astronomical experts have indicated at negative sighting of Ramadan crescent in Saudi Arabia today, partly due to the solar eclipse that coincided with this date. However, religious authorities in Saudi Arabia are monitoring the skies, and an official announcement will be made this evening. Stay tuned here for the latest updates.
Indian Muslims Await Key Announcements On Wednesday
In India, the local Muslim population would await the moon sighting announcements to be made by the Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam in New Delhi, and the main religious seminaries in Lucknow, Kolkata and Mumbai.
In neighbouring Pakistan, attempts to sight the moon will be made today in the westernmost province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Usually, the state begins observing Ramadan a day before the rest of Pakistan. Due to its geographical location, the new moon is often visible in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before other provinces of Pakistan.
The same phenomenon holds true for the southern Indian state of Kerala, which usually starts observing Ramadan a day before the rest of the country.
When Will Ramadan Begin In India?
As per the precedent, the month usually begins in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka a day after it starts in the Middle East. If the moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia, UAE and neighbouring countries today, then it is expected to be sighted in the Indian subcontinent on Wednesday. Accordingly, the fasts in this part of the world will begin from Thursday.
Saudi Arabia Officials On Lookout For Ramadan Moon
The religious authorities in Saudi Arabia have begun looking for the new moon, that will mark the start of Ramadan and end of Shabaan. The decision is expected to be announced at 6:00 pm local time, according to the official social media handle of the country's religious authorities.