The crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, officials have confirmed, signalling the beginning of the holy month for millions of Muslims around the world.

According to reports from the Saudi-based media platform Haramain, the kingdom’s authorities are expected to formally declare Wednesday, 18 February 2026, as the first day of Ramadan.

The sighting ushers in the year 1447 of the Islamic lunar calendar. For the next 29 or 30 days, observers across the kingdom and the wider global community will observe a period of dawn-to-dusk fasting, increased prayer, and spiritual reflection.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is regarded as one of the most sacred times of the year. Fasting, known as sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims. Beyond abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, the month is characterised by a focus on zakat (charity) and self-discipline.

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the timing of the month shifts by approximately 11 days each year against the Gregorian calendar, often leading to variations in the length of daylight fasting hours depending on the season and geography.

The daily rhythm of Ramadan is defined by several key observances:

* Suhur: The pre-dawn meal consumed before the first prayer of the day, Fajr.

* Iftar: The breaking of the fast at sunset, traditionally commenced with dates and water in emulation of the Prophet Muhammad.

* Tarawih: Extended congregational prayers performed at mosques throughout the night.

* Zakat al-Fitr: A specific mandatory charity paid to the poor before the end of the month to ensure all can join in the celebrations.

The period of devotion will conclude with Eid al-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” a major holiday marked by communal prayers, feasts and family gatherings.