Pentouch 
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.
The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447AH, declaring Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of fasting for Muslims across Nigeria.
In a statement released Tuesday by the Sultanate council, His Eminence, Sultan Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, president of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, announced that the crescent was sighted on Tuesday, February 17, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.
