when will ramadan be announced

Ramadan is only officially “announced” shortly before it starts, when qualified Islamic authorities confirm the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal).

How Ramadan is announced

• Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar, so Ramadan does not have a fixed Gregorian date every year.

• The start of Ramadan is tied to the sighting of the crescent moon on the 29th day of Shaaban (the month before Ramadan).

• If the moon is seen, the next day is the first of Ramadan; if not, Shaaban is completed as 30 days, and Ramadan starts the day after.

• Because the decision depends on local or national moon-sighting committees, different countries (and sometimes even cities or mosques) may announce Ramadan on slightly different days.

In practice, this means you will usually hear the “official” announcement the evening before fasting begins, often after Maghrib prayer, via national news, mosques, and Islamic organizations.

For Ramadan 2026 (example of how it works)

• For 2026, many Islamic organizations and calendars estimate Ramadan will begin around 18–19 February 2026 , but they clearly mark this as expected or tentative because it depends on the moon sighting.

• Some sources mention:
  • Expected start: evening of 17–18 February 2026 (with first fast on 18–19 February).

* In the UAE, an official announcement for 2026 has already stated Ramadan will begin on **Thursday, 19 February 2026** , based on their moon-sighting process.

• These are all projections ; the formal announcement in each country will still only come after the local moon-sighting body meets and confirms the crescent.

What this means for “when will Ramadan be announced”?

If your question is: “When exactly will they announce it?”

• You can expect:
  • A provisional idea months in advance from Islamic calendars and charity organizations, which publish expected dates (for planning, timetables, etc.).

* The **official, religiously binding announcement** usually on the **29th of Shaaban** in your local Islamic calendar, typically after sunset, via:
  * Your country’s ministry of religious affairs or fatwa council (TV, radio, websites).

  * Major mosque announcements and local imams.

  * Recognized Islamic organizations and their apps/social media.

Because your exact location and preferred authority (local mosque, home country, or global body) matter, the precise moment of announcement will vary.

How to stay updated (practical tips)

• Check a reputable Islamic calendar or app for the expected start date and countdown to Ramadan 2026.

• A few days before mid‑February 2026, follow:
  • Your local mosque’s website or social media.

* Official religious bodies in your country (e.g., fatwa councils, ministries, major charities that publish timetables).

• Remember that even if online calendars show a date (like 18 or 19 February 2026), it is still considered “to be confirmed by moon sighting” until the official announcement is made.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.