Ramadan 2026: Will Fasting Begin on February 18 or 19? Country-Wise Breakdown of Start Dates Explained

Ramadan 2026 is almost here, and the big question many people are asking right now is simple: Will fasting begin on February 18 or February 19?Across the world, Muslim families are waiting for that important announcement. Every year, it all comes down to one thing: the sighting of the crescent moon. Homes, mosques, and communities wait for confirmation before officially beginning the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.For 2026, the first day of Ramadan is expected to fall either on February 18 or February 19, as reported by Gulf News. The final date depends on when the new moon is seen.Ramadan is scheduled to start in India on February 19, 2026, following the sighting of the moon at Mecca, according to a report by the Times of India Religion Desk dated February 16, 2026.Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar. Unlike the regular calendar most of us use, the lunar calendar depends on the moon. That means the start of Ramadan is decided only after the new crescent moon is sighted. And here’s where it gets interesting. The moon is not always visible in every country on the same evening. Weather conditions, geographical location, and local religious practices all play a role.Some countries prefer local moon sightings. Some consider global sightings. Others use astronomical calculations to predict whether the moon can be seen.For 2026, most countries planned to look for the moon on February 17. In many places, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt, the crescent is not expected to be visible that evening. When that happens, the month of Sha’ban completes 30 days, and Ramadan starts the next day.(Source: Gulf News)In the UAE, Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19. The final confirmation will come after the official moon sighting. Oman has already announced February 19 as the first day of Ramadan. Officials said the crescent will not be visible on February 17, so Sha’ban will complete 30 days.Turkey will also begin fasting on February 19. The country follows astronomical calculations for all Hijri months, and the moon is not expected to be visible on February 17.Singapore has confirmed February 19 as the start of Ramadan. According to calculations, the moon will set before sunset on February 17, which means fasting will begin the following day.Ramadan 1447H in Australia is expected to begin on February 19. Astronomical predictions show the new moon will appear after sunset on February 17. In France, too, fasting is expected to start on February 19. Authorities used both astronomical calculations and traditional lunar observation to determine the date.In Pakistan, there is a possibility that the crescent may be visible on February 18. The official decision will be announced by local religious authorities after the moon sighting.Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days. Just like the beginning, the end of the month also depends on moon sighting.In Dubai, Ramadan 2026 is expected to last 29 days, but the final confirmation will depend on the crescent sighting at the end of the month.Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on Friday, March 20.Eid begins with special morning prayers. After that, families meet, children receive gifts, charity is distributed, and communities come together to celebrate.As Ramadan 2026 approaches, everything now depends on the crescent moon. While most countries are likely to begin fasting on February 19, the final decision will only be made after the official moon sighting.Until then, families and communities continue their preparations, waiting for the announcement that marks the start of this special and spiritual month.Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)