This year the holy month of Ramadan will start in February itself. In this month, Muslims prepare to fast and offer namaz. Now the question is whether this time the month of Ramadan will start on 18th February or will this month start on Thursday 19th February? Such changes are often seen. Muslims depend on the new moon based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
What information did the Saudi Arabian Emirates Astronomical Society give?
According to the Emirates Astronomical Society of Saudi Arabia, this year’s winter Ramadan will start from 19 February 2026. The moon of Ramadan 1447AH will be visible on the evening of 18 February. In Hijri calendar year it means year 1447.
The chairman of the society said that this year the time for fasting would be good. It will start at 12 hours 45 minutes. Its time will also gradually increase in duration. This is called Winter Ramadan.
New moon can be seen on 17th February, chances of sighting after sunset are less
According to the International Astronomy Centre, this year Ramadan may start between Wednesday and Thursday. Because of this, the new moon will be visible on 17 February 2026. However, the chances of it being visible after sunset are less.
UAE and other neighboring countries will observe the first fast on this day
Apart from this, Wednesday 18th February will be the last day of Shaban. The first day of fasting will be celebrated in UAE and other neighboring countries on 19th February. In South Asia and North Africa, Ramadan may start a day earlier depending on local moon sighting, weather and interpretation of moon sighting.
When will the holy month of Ramadan be celebrated in the neighboring country Pakistan?
According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, the moon of the holy month of Ramadan is expected to be visible in Pakistan on February 18. The country’s first Roza may be on 19th February.
