Ramadan 2026 Date: Anticipation for the holy month of Ramadan is building as Muslims around the world prepare for the month-long fast. Many are confused about the first fast, which is expected on February 19 or 20. The beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.
As Saudi Arabia usually marks the start of this holy month a day before India, all eyes are on the official announcement by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia and its official announcements often lead many other countries to confirm the start of Ramadan, as the visibility of the moon varies by location, weather and calculation methods.
In a statement, the court urged citizens and residents to look for a crescent moon in the sky on Tuesday evening. The Saudi Supreme Court said in a statement that “those who have the ability to think carefully will take an interest in the matter, join the committees formed in the regions for this purpose and seek reward and reward by participating in it for the sake of cooperation in justice and piety and the benefit of all Muslims,” the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Depending on the sighting of the moon, Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin on February 18 or 19. If the Moon is sighted today in Saudi Arabia, then Ramadan fasting will start in India from February 19, otherwise from February 20. This means that if Wednesday 18 February is the last day of Shaban, the first Roza will be observed on Thursday 19 February in India.
How is the start date of Ramadan determined in India?
In India, the beginning of Ramadan is marked by the Hilal sighting method. Moon sighting committees look at the sky on the 29th night of Shabaan after the sunset prayer. Ramadaan starts from the next day after the sighting of the crescent moon, otherwise Shabaan extends its 30 days. Islamic scholars prefer to actually look at the moon to decide the date of an event, which many times is in line with astronomical calculations.
Meaning of Ramadan
Considered one of the five pillars of Islam, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during Ramadan. Intended to promote self-discipline and sympathy, it is a time of devotion, spiritual focus and self-introspection. Ramadan is also a time of charity, Taraweeh prayers and Quran study.
Muslims offer alms during this month, which is also a time of charity. Muslims diligently offer namaz five times a day, including Taraweeh prayers, and read the holy book of the Qur’an.