Ramadan moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. With this the traditionally holy month of Ramadan has started. The moon of Ramadan 1447/2026 has been sighted. Tomorrow i.e. Wednesday 18 February 2026 will be the first day of Ramadan 1447. Ramadan is considered the holiest month in the religion of Islam. On this day, people of the Islamic community worship God for the whole month. It is the ninth month of Hijri calendar.
This month starts from the end of the month of Shaban. With this, the holy month of Ramadan has started in the Gulf countries. In India, the moon will be visible the next day i.e. 24 hours after the beginning of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia. Actually, 17th February is the new moon day. Because of this it is not possible to see the moon in India.
BREAKING NEWS: Ramadan 1447/2026 Crescent has been Sighted
Subsequently, tomorrow i.e. Wednesday, 18 February 2026 will be the first day of Ramadan 1447.
Ramadan Mubarak! pic.twitter.com/2BM3pbZPSh
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) February 17, 2026
After seeing the moon in Saudi, it becomes visible in India
The moon is visible in India only after the moon is visible in Saudi Arabia. This distance is about 24 hours. That means the moon can be seen in India on 18th or 19th February. In India, fasting can start from 19th February.
Saudi Supreme Court had given orders to see the moon
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has ordered the sighting of the moon on Tuesday evening, 17 February 2026, on the 29th day of Shaban. After this, after Maghrib prayers, people will be able to see the moon and the next day they will be able to fast for the entire month and worship God.
“Statement from the Royal Court”
The Supreme Court has received the following:
Decision No. (204/H), dated 29/8/1447 AH
All praise is due to Allah alone, and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and companions.
To proceed: The Lunar…
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) February 17, 2026
On what basis does the month of Ramadan begin?
In Islam, months are calculated on the basis of the moon. In this, the waxing and waning of the moon is taken as the basis. Therefore, every year the date of Ramadan changes under the Gregorian calendar. In such a situation, the fast is observed from the next day on which the moon is visible.
