Saudi Arabia has officially announced that the holy month of Ramadan will commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening.
The Kingdom’s Supreme Court confirmed the moon sighting, marking the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed globally by Muslims through fasting, prayers, and acts of devotion.
Neighbouring countries, including Qatar and Oman, have also declared that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18.
In Nigeria, Muslims are expected to commence fasting on Wednesday as well, pending the formal announcement by the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and leader of the Muslim Ummah, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, later Tuesday evening regarding the sighting of the crescent moon.
LEADERSHIP reports that Ramadan, regarded as the holiest month in Islam, is a period of spiritual reflection, increased worship, and community bonding. In Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s two holiest sites—the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, millions of worshippers gather annually to observe prayers and nightly Taraweeh sessions.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations as a form of spiritual discipline aimed at achieving greater taqwa or consciousness of Allah.
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