iDeemlawfulThe crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, marking the commencement of Ramadan fasting on Wednesday.
According to Inside Haramain, a platform covering the affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, the moon was observed on Tuesday evening, indicating that February 17 marks the final day of Sha’ban, the month before Ramadan.
“Ramadan 1447/2026 Crescent has been SIGHTED. Subsequently, tomorrow, i.e., Wednesday, 18 February 2026, will be the first day of Ramadan 1447,” the post reads.
Ramadan fasting follows the Islamic lunar calendar, where each month lasts either 29 or 30 days.
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Muslims worldwide begin and end the fasting period based on the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon.
Meanwhile, Muslims in Nigeria will await a formal declaration from the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, before starting the Ramadan fast.
On Monday, the Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, called on Muslims in Nigeria to look out for the Ramadan 1447 AH crescent on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The appeal was conveyed in an official statement released in Sokoto on Monday by the Sultanate Council and signed by Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Junaidu.
“Muslims who sight the crescent moon after sunset on Tuesday are expected to immediately report the sighting to the Sultan through designated contact numbers provided by the council.
“Muslims across the country are hereby requested to look out for the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and to report any credible sighting to the Sultan of Sokoto promptly,” the statement read