SRINAGAR: The crescent moon marking the start of the holy month of Ramzan 1447 AH (2026) was sighted in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening, February 17.
The Saudi Supreme Court announced that the first fast of Ramzan will be observed on Wednesday, February 18, while Taraweeh prayers will commence on the night of February 17 after Isha prayers.
According to Arabic channel Al Ekhbariya, the Sudair Observatory employed modern technology for the first time this year to improve the accuracy of moon sighting. Advanced instruments were used alongside traditional methods, including naked-eye observation and binoculars.
Earlier, on Sunday, February 15, the Saudi Supreme Court had appealed to Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the Ramzan crescent. The court urged anyone who observed the moon, either directly or using optical aids, to report to the nearest court and formally submit testimony.
Several countries have already announced February 19 as the first day of Ramzan, including Turkey, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, Oman and Japan.
In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Iran, authorities and religious bodies will attempt to sight the Ramzan crescent on February 18, corresponding to the 29th day of the Islamic month of Shaban.
