Ramadan 2026 is expected to start with the sighting of the new crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday 17 February 2026, meaning the first fast will most likely be on Wednesday 18 February 2026 in many countries, though some places may begin on Thursday 19 February depending on local sighting.

Key dates at a glance

  • Expected moon sighting attempt: evening of Tuesday 17 February 2026.
  • Most likely first fasting day (in much of the world): Wednesday 18 February 2026.
  • If the crescent is not seen on 17 February: Ramadan would then begin Thursday 19 February 2026 after completing 30 days of Sha’ban.

Some Gulf sources specifically note that committees will look for the crescent on 17 February, and that astronomical conditions make Thursday 19 February a strong possibility where visibility is poor or local criteria are stricter.

Why the exact day can differ

The Islamic calendar is lunar, so the new month of Ramadan only begins when the hilal (thin crescent) is sighted after sunset, or when an official body accepts reliable testimony or uses calculations.

Different countries and groups use different methods:

  • Some follow local physical sightings only.
  • Some follow regional authorities such as Saudi Arabia.
  • Others (for example in North America and parts of Europe) rely on global astronomical calculations and announce a fixed start in advance, which for 2026 points to first fasting on Wednesday 18 February.

Because of this, you may see a one‑day difference between regions, even though everyone is working from the same lunar cycle.

Latest news and forum-style buzz

As Ramadan 2026 approaches, several outlets and charity organizations are already treating 17–18 February as the key window for the beginning of the month, sharing calendars, donation campaigns, and preparation tips built around those dates.

News coverage from the Gulf region highlights:

  • Official calls from Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court for people to observe the sky on 17 February 2026 after maghrib.
  • Astronomers noting that the crescent will be very young and hard to see on that night, which is why many expect practical visibility—and thus confirmed start—for 18–19 February.

In community and forum discussions, the trending theme is that people are planning calendars and work/holiday schedules assuming first fast on Wednesday 18 February, while adding the reminder that “final word depends on the moon” as always.

What this means for you

  • Plan spiritually and practically around an expected first fast on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
  • Be ready for a possible one‑day variation (starting Thursday 19 February) depending on how your local mosque or authority handles moon sighting.
  • Closer to the date, follow announcements from:
    • Your local mosque or Islamic council.
    • The authorities you normally follow (e.g., Saudi announcement, national fatwa council, or calculation‑based organizations).

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