The 2026 Ramadan fast will begin in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, 18th February, following the sighting of the moon in the country.
themomentng reports that Saudi Arabia officially announced the date on Tuesday.
According to the Saudi news agency, SPA, the crescent moon was visible for the sighting committee tonight.
Many other countries, including Qatar, have also announced Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan for the year 2026.
In Nigeria, official confirmation is being awaited from the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, through the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC).
Recall that the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had earlier urged muslims in the country to watch out for the new moon for the Ramadan fast as from the evening of Tuesday, 17th February 2026.
themomentng reports that his message was contained in a statement issued by the General, NSCIA, Prof Is-haq Oloyede.
According to the Sultan, if the moon is sighted on Tuesday, February 17, Ramadan will commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Otherwise, fasting will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this period, apart from abstinence from food, Muslims engage in extended prayers, charitable activities and for those who can afford it, the Umrah pilgrimage.
