RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday called on Muslims across the kingdom to sight the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan on the evening of 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH, corresponding to February 17, 2026.
The call follows Supreme Court Decision No. 203/H dated 29 Rajab 1447 AH, which confirmed that 1 Sha’ban 1447 AH fell on January 20, 2026.
Authorities urged anyone who sights the crescent after Maghrib prayers to report to the nearest court or official moon-sighting committee. Observers may use the naked eye or binoculars to confirm the sighting.
Under the Islamic lunar calendar, the holy month of Ramadan begins upon verified observation of the crescent. If the moon is sighted on Tuesday evening, fasting will begin on Wednesday, February 18.
If the crescent is not visible due to weather or other conditions, Sha’ban will complete 30 days and Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19.
Saudi Arabia’s announcement is closely followed by Muslims in other countries that rely on the kingdom’s moon-sighting decisions to determine the start of the fasting month.
