Wednesday declared first day of the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1447

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs made this determination during a meeting held at the Islamic Centre on the night of February 17, 2026, to confirm the sighting of the moon.

Announcing the sighting of the moon at the gathering, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, read the official statement confirming that the crescent moon for the month of Ramadan 1447 had been sighted in several Islamic countries following sunset on Tuesday, the 29th of Sha'ban. Consequently, in accordance with the established regulations for moon sighting in the Maldives, it has been declared that February 18 will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan 1447.

Following the sighting of the crescent moon, Saudi Arabia has officially declared Wednesday as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court announced on Tuesday evening that the crescent moon of Ramadan has been sighted, marking Wednesday as the first day of the holy month this year.

The Saudi Supreme Court made the announcement following reports of moon sightings from various regional committees across the country, established to observe the moon in accordance with Islamic principles.

Following this decision, Muslims across Saudi Arabia will begin observing the fast starting at dawn on Wednesday.