The Muslim world is entering the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH amid a fresh اختلاف over dates. Several countries have announced that Wednesday, 18 February 2026 will mark the first day of fasting, while others have set the start of the sacred month for Thursday, 19 February 2026. Official announcements multiplied on the evening of 17 February, reflecting two approaches: direct sighting of the lunar crescent and reliance on astronomical calculations.
These countries will begin Ramadan on Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Wednesday will officially be the first day of Ramadan in the following countries: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, Yemen and Egypt.
In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court confirmed—through a statement carried by the official news agency—that reliable witnesses reported sighting the crescent moon that evening. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates also announced, via their religious authorities and official institutions, that Wednesday corresponds to the first day of the holy month.
Kuwait confirmed the crescent sighting through its legal moon-sighting committee. In Iraq, the Sunni Waqf Diwan declared Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan. In Palestine, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories confirmed the crescent was observed. Lebanon adopted the same date by decision of the Mufti of the Republic.
Sudan and Yemen likewise announced Wednesday as the first day of fasting. Egypt, according to statements published on the evening of 17 February, has joined the group of countries starting Ramadan on Wednesday.
These countries will begin Ramadan on Thursday, 19 February 2026
Other states announced that Thursday, 19 February 2026 will be the first day of Ramadan—either because the crescent could not be seen on Wednesday evening, or because they rely on astronomical calculations.
Tunisia officially set Thursday as the first day of the holy month. Algeria and Libya also announced that Ramadan will begin on Thursday.
Jordan and Syria said Wednesday completes the month of Shaaban, and that Thursday marks the start of Ramadan.
In the Horn of Africa, Somalia and Djibouti confirmed Thursday as the start date. The Comoros also announced that Thursday will be the first day of fasting.
In Asia, several countries opted for Thursday: Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Japan.
Turkey, which follows a calendar based on astronomical calculations to determine the start of lunar months, set Thursday as the first day of Ramadan. Oman also announced Thursday, citing astronomical data confirming that sighting the crescent on Wednesday was not possible.
In Europe and Oceania, France and Australia announced that Thursday, 19 February 2026 will be the first day of fasting.
Morocco and Mauritania: Moon sighting scheduled for Wednesday
Morocco and Mauritania will observe the crescent moon on Wednesday evening, as the 28th day of Shaaban still corresponds to their national calendars due to a one-day difference compared with several other countries.
Religious authorities in both states will conduct the official observation after sunset to determine whether Ramadan will begin on Thursday, 19 February, or Friday, 20 February 2026.
A recurring divergence each year
This difference in dates—seen almost every year across the Muslim world—stems from the coexistence of two methods: visual sighting of the crescent moon and the use of astronomical calculations to determine the start of the month.
Despite these calendar اختلافات, Ramadan remains a moment of spiritual unity for more than a billion Muslims worldwide. A month of fasting, prayer, solidarity and reflection, it begins this year either on Wednesday, 18 February, or Thursday, 19 February 2026, depending on the country.
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