Ramadan 2026: Nine Muslim countries mark Wednesday, Feb. 18 (ET) as first day as others wait until Thursday
Religious authorities across multiple countries have set divergent start dates for Ramadan 2026. A bloc of nine states announced that Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (ET) will be the first day of the fasting month after committees confirmed sighting of the new crescent, while several other countries said they will begin observance on Thursday following separate calculations or delayed local sightings.
Confirmed sightings and official rulings
Several national religious bodies declared that the lunar crescent was sighted, prompting official statements that Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 (ET) is the beginning of Ramadan 2026. Authorities in those countries cited testimony from multiple witnesses and the conclusions of moon-sighting committees or judicial religious bodies that reviewed reports of the crescent's visibility. In some capitals, formal announcements followed meetings of high courts or ministry committees charged with monitoring the lunar calendar for religious observances.
Officials noted that witness testimony and the confirmation process remain central to the decision in many jurisdictions. In those places where testimony was deemed credible, the ruling set the fast to start the next calendar day. Leaders also urged citizens to observe the usual spiritual and communal practices associated with the start of the month, including pre-dawn meals, special prayers, and charity activities.
Why some countries will begin on Thursday
Not all countries reached the same conclusion. A number of states said the first day of Ramadan will be Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 (ET). Those decisions were based on a mix of astronomical calculations showing that local visibility of the crescent was unlikely, or on national procedures that require local confirmation that had not been completed by sunset. In some cases, authorities explicitly relied on astronomical data indicating the crescent would be born at 8: 02 p. m. ET and that the interval between birth and sunset would not allow reliable naked-eye observation in their territories.
The split in start dates reflects differences in methodology: some countries prioritize physical sighting by observers, while others approve calculated timetables or accept sightings from neighboring jurisdictions under specific criteria. That divergence is familiar in many years and can affect schedules for communal prayers, fasting, and public holidays over a two-day window.
Practical implications for worshippers and communities
The staggered start will have practical effects on travel plans, workplace scheduling, religious services and community events, especially for families and groups spanning borders where dates differ. Mosques and community centers are expected to publicize local rulings promptly and to coordinate with civil authorities on timings for Taraweeh prayers and other Ramadan programs.
Religious leaders have called for unity and mutual respect across communities during the differing observances, emphasizing that the core spiritual aims of the month—fasting, prayer, reflection and charity—remain the same regardless of which day marks the formal start. In places waiting for an additional night of observation, officials advised patience and clear communication to avoid confusion about fasting start times and communal gatherings.
Authorities in jurisdictions planning further observation have asked the public to report any confirmed sightings made on the appointed nights to streamline final rulings. Observers and worshippers are being reminded to follow local announcements for precise prayer and fasting schedules for the opening days of Ramadan 2026.
