Here Are the Predictions for the Start of Ramadan 2026 in Various Countries, Majority on February 19
Jakarta - The holy month of Ramadan 1447 H/2026 is fast approaching. Various countries have already set or at least issued predictions for when Ramadan will begin this year.
As reported by Gulf News on Sunday (2/15/2026), Muslims use the lunar calendar, meaning each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. This can result in different start dates for a month in the Hijri year across countries, influenced by several factors including local moon observations, global moon observations, and astronomical calculations. These variations can lead to a one-day difference in the start of Ramadan between regions.
For Ramadan 2026, most Muslim-majority countries are expected to attempt sighting the crescent moon on Tuesday, February 17.
However, astronomical calculations predict the crescent will not be visible or is highly unlikely to be visible across all regions, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt on that day. As a result, countries that require confirmed sighting will likely complete the month of Shaban at 30 days, making Thursday, February 19, 2026, the first day of Ramadan in the UAE.
Nevertheless, some countries may begin a day earlier depending on differing local criteria.
Here are the predictions for 1 Ramadan 1447 H in various countries:
Oman Announces 1 Ramadan Starting February 19
Oman became the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to confirm the Ramadan date. Oman announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the first day of Ramadan following astronomical calculations showing the crescent cannot be sighted on the preceding evening.
Turkey Confirms Ramadan Start Date
Turkey also announced Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan after astronomical calculations showed the crescent cannot be sighted on the earlier observation date. Turkey determines the start of all Hijri months using pre-calculated astronomical data assessing the likelihood of crescent visibility. A new lunar month begins if calculations on the 29th day indicate the new moon can be seen with the naked eye or telescope anywhere within the country’s nighttime zone. Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs said its findings indicate crescent sighting will not be possible on Tuesday, February 17, across the Arab and Islamic world as well as the Americas, prompting the decision to set Thursday as the start of Ramadan.
Singapore Announces February 19 as Start of Ramadan
Singapore has also confirmed Thursday, February 19, as the first day of Ramadan after astronomical assessment ruled out the possibility of crescent sighting on the observation evening. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, led by the Mufti of Singapore, follows a calculation-based method using local visibility criteria. Authorities said the moon will set before the sun on Tuesday, making it impossible to sight from Singapore. Singapore has also published the official imsakiyah (fasting timetable) listing February 19, 2026, as 1 Ramadan 1447 H.
Start of Ramadan in Australia
Australia announced Ramadan 1447 H will begin on Thursday, February 19, as confirmed by the Australian Fatwa Council based on astronomical calculations. Grand Mufti of Australia Dr. Ibrahim Abu Mohamad said the announcement followed consultations with the council. In Sydney and Perth, the new moon of Ramadan appears after sunset on Tuesday, February 17. The first night of Ramadan and Tarawih prayers will be held on Wednesday, February 18, after Isha prayers. Abu Mohamad also called on Muslims in Australia to respect scholarly differences of opinion, maintain unity, and pray for peace. However, the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) typically confirms the Ramadan date after reviewing local moon sighting reports.
France Confirms Ramadan Start Date
Authorities in France, the country with the largest Muslim population in Europe, have confirmed the key dates for Ramadan 2026 to provide clarity for millions of Muslims in the country. The French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) announced fasting will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after astronomical calculations indicated the new moon conjunction on Tuesday, February 17, at 1:01 PM Paris time. However, moon observation and calculations will still be conducted on February 17 at 6:00 PM local time at the Grand Mosque of Paris. The religious commission will review the moon observations and calculations before final confirmation. Mosque leader Chems-eddine Hafiz emphasized this practice is preserved “for the unity of Muslims.”
Pakistan: Crescent Likely on February 18
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated the new moon of Ramadan 1447 H will be born on February 17 at 5:01 PM (PST). Based on astronomical calculations, there is a strong possibility the crescent will be sighted on the evening of February 18, coinciding with 29 Shaban. The official start of Ramadan in Pakistan will depend on confirmation from local religious authorities.