Saudi court sets moon‑sighting night for Ramadan 2026 as astronomers point to Feb. 19 start
The Saudi Supreme Court has called on Muslims across the kingdom to observe the crescent moon on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (ET) to determine the start of Ramadan 2026 (رمضان 2026). At the same time, national astronomical bodies in parts of North Africa and several other countries are relying on calculations that indicate Thursday, February 19, 2026 (ET) will mark the first day of fasting.
Saudi appeal for public moon sightings on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 (ET)
The court asked observers who spot the new crescent with the naked eye or through telescopes to report their sightings to the nearest court or local centre and to register formal testimony. Volunteers with the ability to take part in local sighting committees were urged to join to support the process. The request frames the sighting effort as both a civic duty and a religious act, encouraging participants to consider the spiritual rewards of contributing to a clear determination.
Astronomical calculations point to Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 (ET) in Algeria and several countries
In parts of North Africa, a national astronomy association released a technical assessment of the moon’s status around the expected sighting night. The group noted that the astronomical conjunction—the new moon—will occur on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (ET), but that the crescent’s age and geometry at sunset that evening will make naked‑eye observation effectively impossible across the region. In the capital, the moon would remain above the horizon only briefly after sunset, limiting any realistic chance of visibility. On that basis, astronomers concluded that the month of Shaʿban should be completed as a 30‑day month and that Ramadan would begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026 (ET).
That conclusion aligns with announcements by authorities in several countries that have already fixed Thursday, February 19 (ET) as the opening day of Ramadan, citing the impossibility of local sightings on the 29th evening. Analysts note that any isolated successful sightings would be limited to extreme far‑west locations in North America and would not affect the determination in the countries concerned.
What the differing approaches mean for worshippers
The period leading up to Ramadan often brings a mix of sighting‑based practice and reliance on calculated astronomy. When official bodies emphasize visual confirmation, communities mobilize local committees and volunteers to survey the sky on the appointed night. Where authorities accept or prioritise astronomical calculations, calendars are published in advance to help households, mosques and public services plan for the month.
In practical terms, the coming week will see regional authorities and religious committees confirm their official calendars. Muslim communities are advised to follow local announcements for prayer schedules, fasting start times and other Ramadan arrangements. The divergence highlights longstanding differences in methodology: some jurisdictions continue to prioritise local visibility and testimony, while others use global or local calculations to settle the start of the holy month.
Whatever method is used, officials and faith leaders stress the importance of communal cooperation in the days ahead to ensure a smooth transition into Ramadan and to help worshippers prepare for the month of fasting, charity and worship.
