• Ramadan 2026 is expected to start on February 18 or 19, depending on moon sightings.
• Saudi Arabia confirmed the start of Ramadan on February 18 after the moon was sighted.
• Many neighboring countries, including the UAE and Qatar, will also begin Ramadan on February 18.
• Other countries, such as Turkey and Egypt, may start a day later due to failed moon sightings.
• The lunar calendar's reliance on moon visibility leads to different start dates in various regions.

As Muslims worldwide prepare for Ramadan 2026, the crucial question arises: will fasting begin on February 18 or February 19? The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, with confirmation typically occurring on February 17, 2026, across different countries according to local observations and weather conditions, according to Indiatimes.

On February 17, Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court called upon Muslims to search for the crescent moon that evening, potentially confirming the start of Ramadan on February 18 if sightings are reported officially. This tradition underscores the significance of community participation and religious observance in this pivotal moment for Muslims, as stated by Indiatimes.

After the moon-sighting announcement by Saudi authorities, many Gulf nations, including Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain, followed suit by declaring Ramadan would commence on February 18. This alignment is not unusual, as many countries often look to Saudi Arabia for guidance on religious matters, according to Le Monde and Middle East Eye.

In contrast, other nations, including Turkey, Egypt, and Malaysia, indicated they may start fasting a day later, primarily due to the absence of visible crescent moon sightings, as reported by Indiatimes and Middle East Eye.

The divergence in start dates highlights the nuances of the lunar calendar, which requires local visibility for confirmation. Not only does this lead to variations in fasting times, but it also impacts communal and religious practices, reinforcing the deep-rooted traditions associated with Ramadan across different cultures. Observers note that while technology and calculations can guide expectations, the community practice of moon sighting retains its importance within the Islamic faith, according to Le Monde and Indiatimes.