Saudi officially confirms Ramadan Fast to start tomorrow 18th February 2026

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Following the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia sets to commence the 2026 Ramadan fast on Wednesday, 18th February. The date was officially announced on Tuesday.

Many other countries, including Qatar, have also announced Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan for the year 2026.

Nigeria still awaits official confirmation from the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, through the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC).

According to a statement earlier released by pro Ishaq Oloyede, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had earlier urged muslims in the country to watch out for the new moon for the Ramadan fast as from the evening of Tuesday, 17th February 2026 stating that if the moon is sighted on Tuesday, Ramadan commences on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Otherwise, fasting will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a 29-30 day period of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection, and community. It commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

“Allaahu ‘Akbar, Allaahumma ‘ahillahu ‘alayna bil’amni wal’eemaani, wassalaamati wal-‘Islaami, wattawfeeqi limaa tuhibbu Rabbanaa wa tardhaa, Rabbunaa wa Rabbukallaahu.”

Allah is the Most Great. O Allah, bring us the new moon with security and Faith, with peace and in Islam, and in harmony with what our Lord loves and what pleases Him. Our Lord and your Lord is Allah.