Ramadan in Saudi Arabia Likely to Begin Wednesday or Thursday, Subject to Moon Sighting

The holy month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is expected to begin on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. The final decision will be made based on verified moon sighting reports. However, some countries follow their own moon-sighting methodologies and rely primarily on astronomical calculations.

According to data from the UK’s Nautical Almanac Office “Crescent Moon Watch,” sunset in Mecca on Tuesday will occur at 6:19 pm local time. The new moon is expected to be born earlier at 3:01 pm, but it will remain visible for only about three minutes after sunset. As a result, the likelihood of sighting the crescent with the naked eye is extremely low. Therefore, Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is likely to begin on Thursday.

On Wednesday evening, however, the new crescent is expected to be visible across most parts of the world. By then, the moon will be approximately 26 hours old, positioned higher in the sky, and visible for a longer period after sunset, making observation easier for the public.

Most Middle Eastern countries traditionally follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement. If the Saudi Supreme Court receives credible testimony of moon sighting on Tuesday night, it could declare Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan. However, due to the limited visibility window, such a sighting is considered unlikely.

In many Asian countries, Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday, as the moon will set before sunset in the region on Tuesday. Singapore has already officially confirmed Thursday as the first day of Ramadan. South Asian countries, including India and Pakistan, have also forecast Thursday, February 19, as the likely start of fasting.

The European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) has announced Thursday as the first day of Ramadan, noting that although the moon is astronomically born on Tuesday, it will be nearly impossible to sight it with the naked eye or optical instruments. For the same reason, Turkey has also declared Thursday as the beginning of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), both of which follow astronomical calculations, have announced Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan in North America.

Most African countries are preparing to begin Ramadan on Thursday. Australia’s National Imams Council has also declared Thursday as the first day of the holy month in Oceania.