Ramadan 2026: Diverging Start Dates Across the Muslim World

The start of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a time of fasting and spiritual reflection, will vary across the globe in 2026, falling on Wednesday in some countries and Thursday in others. This discrepancy stems from differing methodologies for sighting the crescent moon, which traditionally marks the beginning of the month.

Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Region Begin on Wednesday

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, announced that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, after its authorities reported sighting the crescent moon [Middle East Eye]. Countries aligning with Saudi Arabia’s announcement include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, most Gulf states, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan and Palestine [Middle East Eye]. Sunni religious authorities in Iraq and Lebanon will also begin observing Ramadan on Wednesday [Middle East Eye].

A Thursday Start for Many Others

Several other Muslim-majority nations will commence Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, 2026, having not sighted the crescent moon. These countries include Egypt, Brunei, Malaysia, Turkey, Indonesia, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Syria, and Oman [Middle East Eye]. The Philippines, Japan, Singapore, France, and Australia will begin observing Ramadan on Thursday [Middle East Eye].

Iran and Differing Shia Observations

Iran will begin Ramadan on Thursday, according to the office of Iran’s supreme leader [France 24]. The office of Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the most senior Shia authority in Iraq, has also stated that Ramadan will start on Thursday [Middle East Eye]. Countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are expected to announce their start dates on Wednesday, but are also anticipated to begin the month on Thursday [Middle East Eye].

The Role of the Lunar Calendar and Moon Sightings

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning its months are based on the cycles of the moon. The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, a practice that can vary due to geographical location, weather conditions, and differing interpretations of sighting criteria [Gulf News]. Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites, has historically reported sightings even when astronomical calculations suggest they were not possible, a practice that has drawn criticism [Middle East Eye]. Saudi Arabia utilizes a calendar called the Umm al-Qura, which is based on calculations and pre-marks key dates [Middle East Eye].

Confusion and Frustration in France

The differing dates have caused confusion and frustration among Muslims in France, where the start of Ramadan will be on Thursday [France 24].