Riyadh (Web Desk): The crescent marking the start of Ramadan 1447 AH has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, signaling that the first fast will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, after receiving verified testimonies, officially announced the commencement of the holy month. To ensure accurate observation, special arrangements were made at seven locations, including Houta Sudair, where meteorologists, astronomy experts, and judges participated in the sighting process.
In contrast, the crescent was not visible in several other countries. In Malaysia and Turkey, the first day of Ramadan will fall on Thursday, February 19, due to the absence of a confirmed sighting.
Similarly, Singapore, Brunei, Australia, and Oman are also expected to begin fasting on the same day.
In Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has convened a meeting in Peshawar Wednesday to determine the visibility of the Ramadan crescent.
According to a spokesperson from the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), scientific predictions suggest that the first fast in Pakistan is likely to be observed on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The official announcement, however, will be made following the committee’s final decision.