• Source:JND

Ramadan 2026: Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking February 18 as the beginning of Ramadan 2026 for the Gulf countries. Ramadan, which is also spelt as Ramzan or Ramazan, is the ninth month of the  Islamic calendar (Hijri) and marks the 30-day period of fasting, reflection and prayer, observed by Muslims across the globe. As usual, Gulf countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia witnessed the sighting of the moon a day before India is likely to witness it. The beginning of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the moon, which appears in Gulf and European countries before major Asian countries.

When Will Ramadan Begin In India

While official confirmation is awaited, the crescentmoon in the Gulf region indicates the possibility of moon sighting in India on February 18 between 6:15 PM and 6:45 PM.

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Here’s Country-Wise Date For Ramadan Commencement

Indonesia

Indonesia has officially announced that it will begin Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after the crescent moon marking the start of the month was not sighted. The decision was announced after the country’s traditional isbat (moon-sighting) process was performed under the guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Malaysia

Malaysia has also announced that the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday, hence the country will begin Ramadan on Thursday, February 19.

Brunei

Similarly, Brunei confirmed that Ramadan will start on Thursday, February 19, after astronomy authorities reported the crescent moon was not seen on Tuesday.

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Japan And Philippines

Japan’s Hilal Vision Committee and the Philippines’ Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani both announced that the first day of Ramadan will also fall on February 19, 2026


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