Oman’s Central Moon Sighting Committee confirms Thursday, February 19, 2026, as 1st Ramadan 1447 AH. Astronomical data shows moon sighting impossible on February 17 (29 Sha’ban), so Sha’ban ends February 18. Oman leads as the first Arab nation to announce Ramadan 2026 date early using science-backed calculations.
Oman has officially announced that Ramadan 2026 begins on Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH. This makes Oman the first Arab country to declare the Ramadan start date a week ahead of traditional moon sighting. The Main Committee for Moon Sighting in Oman released the update based on solid astronomical evidence.
They state that the crescent moon sets before or at sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026—corresponding to 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH—across all governorates. This makes visual moon sighting impossible.
As a result, the committee rejects any contrary testimonies that clash with these scientific facts. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, completes the month of Sha’ban as 30 days.
Thursday, February 19, 2026, then marks the official start of Ramadan 1447 AH in Oman.
source https://enews.hamariweb.com/islam/official-ramadan-2026-start-date-announced-in-this-country/
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