Ramadan 2026: Saudi Arabia Begins Fasting on February 18, India on February 19
Ramadan 2026 has commenced in Saudi Arabia and several Gulf nations on Wednesday, February 18, following the crescent moon sighting. In contrast, India and many other Asian and Western countries will observe the start of fasting from Thursday, February 19, after their respective moon sightings. This annual event unites Muslims globally in a month of devotion.
Key Highlights
- Ramadan 2026 started February 18 in Saudi Arabia after moon sighting.
- Most Gulf countries, including UAE, began fasting on February 18.
- India, Oman, and other Asian nations commence Ramadan on February 19.
- Moon sighting committees determine the exact start date globally.
- Fasting hours are approximately 12-14 hours daily this year.
- The holy month culminates in Eid al-Fitr around March 19-21, 2026.
The holy month of Ramadan for the year 2026 officially began in Saudi Arabia and several other Gulf countries on Wednesday, February 18, following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal) on Tuesday evening, February 17. The Saudi Supreme Court made the announcement, confirming that Muslims in the Kingdom would commence their fasting from dawn on Wednesday. This decision was mirrored by other nations in the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and Palestine, all of whom also declared February 18 as the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH.
Conversely, many countries across Asia, including India, Pakistan, Oman, Singapore, Turkey, Brunei, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia, are set to begin their Ramadan observance on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This variation in start dates is a common occurrence in the Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle and the actual sighting of the crescent moon. In these nations, moon-sighting committees did not confirm the visibility of the new crescent on Tuesday evening, necessitating the completion of 30 days for the preceding Islamic month of Sha'ban before Ramadan officially commences.
For India, specifically, the crescent moon was expected to be visible on Wednesday, February 18, between 6:15 PM and 6:45 PM IST, following sunset. If sighted on this evening, the first day of fasting in India would then be Thursday, February 19. This aligns with the broader pattern observed in South Asian countries. The Economic Times and India Today had also provided context for Ramadan 2026, indicating expected start dates around February 18-19, with variations based on local moon sightings.
The process of moon sighting is a deeply rooted tradition in Islamic practice. Religious authorities and designated committees gather after sunset on the 29th day of the preceding month (Sha'ban) to scan the western sky for the faint sliver of the new crescent. The confirmation of this sighting officially signals the beginning of Ramadan. If the moon is not sighted due to weather conditions or its astronomical position, the month of Sha'ban is extended to 30 days, and Ramadan begins the day after.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, a period of immense spiritual significance for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. During this month, believers observe a daily fast from dawn (Suhoor) until sunset (Iftar), abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. It is a time dedicated to prayer, reflection, charity, and strengthening community bonds.
Fasting hours in 2026 are expected to be relatively uniform globally, ranging from approximately 12 to 14 hours daily, as Ramadan falls close to the spring equinox. The holy month will culminate in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is anticipated to occur around March 19 or 20 in Saudi Arabia and most Gulf countries, and a day later, around March 20 or 21, in India and other South Asian nations, once again dependent on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
Despite regional differences in the exact start date and local customs, the core spirit of Ramadan – encompassing spiritual discipline, compassion, and communal harmony – remains universal for Muslims across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ramadan 2026 officially begin in Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries?
Ramadan 2026 officially began on Wednesday, February 18, in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and several other Gulf countries, following the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday, February 17.
When will Ramadan 2026 start in India?
In India, Ramadan 2026 is expected to commence on Thursday, February 19, after the crescent moon is sighted on Wednesday evening, February 18.
Why do Ramadan start dates vary between countries?
Ramadan start dates vary because the Islamic calendar is lunar, and the beginning of the month is determined by the actual sighting of the crescent moon, which can differ based on geographical location and local moon-sighting committee decisions.
What are the approximate fasting hours during Ramadan 2026?
Due to Ramadan 2026 falling close to the spring equinox, fasting hours are expected to be relatively uniform globally, lasting approximately 12-14 hours per day.
When is Eid al-Fitr expected in 2026?
Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is expected around March 19 or 20, 2026, in Saudi Arabia and most Gulf countries, and around March 20 or 21 in India and other South Asian nations, depending on the Shawwal moon sighting.