Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447 in the Islamic calendar. This means that the holy month of Ramadan for the year 2026 will begin tonight in the Kingdom.
The announcement follows the traditional moon sighting process carried out by religious authorities in Saudi Arabia. Under Islamic tradition, the start of Ramadan is determined by the physical sighting of the crescent moon, which signals the beginning of a new lunar month. Once the moon is confirmed, Muslims begin fasting the following day.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest period for Muslims around the world. During this month, Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset. They abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours. The fast is one of the five pillars of Islam, which are the core acts of worship in the religion.
Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting announcement is important because many countries look to the Kingdom for guidance on the start of Ramadan. However, some nations rely on their own moon sighting committees to confirm the beginning of the month locally.
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, who is the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, traditionally announces the official start of Ramadan after receiving reports from various moon sighting committees across the country. Nigerian Muslims are therefore waiting for a formal statement from the Sultan to confirm whether fasting will begin in line with Saudi Arabia or based on local sighting reports.
Ramadan is a time of deep spiritual reflection, prayer, and charity. Muslims increase their acts of worship during the month. Special nightly prayers known as Taraweeh are observed in mosques after the Isha prayer. Many Muslims also use the period to read and complete the recitation of the Qur’an.
The month also encourages acts of kindness and generosity. Wealthier Muslims are expected to support those in need through charity. Before the end of Ramadan, Muslims pay Zakat al-Fitr, a compulsory charity given to the poor to enable them to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr festival.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, and meals. The exact date of Eid will also depend on the sighting of the next crescent moon at the end of the fasting month.
Religious leaders in Saudi Arabia have called on Muslims to make the most of the blessed month through prayer, good deeds, and peaceful conduct. Many believers have also shared prayers, asking Allah to accept their fasting, night prayers, and other acts of worship during the sacred period.
