Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court urges moon sighting for Ramadan 2026 on Tuesday evening, February 17. If confirmed, fasting begins Wednesday, February 18. Astronomers note an annular solar eclipse today makes visibility unlikely, pointing to Thursday, February 19 as the probable start. Official announcement expected after the committee meets.
Saudi Arabia has called on Muslims to sight the Ramadan crescent moon this evening, February 17, 2026, after sunset. This sighting on 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH will decide if Ramadan 2026 starts tomorrow or the day after.
Today, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marks 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH in Saudi Arabia. The Supreme Court issued the call for Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the Ramadan crescent moon after sunset.
The moon-sighting committee gathers this evening. They receive reports from the public plus official observatories in Sudair and Tumair. If witnesses confirm a valid sighting after Maghrib, Ramadan 2026 begins tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, with the first fast.
A key factor complicates things—an annular solar eclipse occurs today. This eclipse aligns with the moon’s conjunction phase, when it sits between Earth and Sun. Astronomers state the crescent likely remains invisible to the naked eye tonight.
Many astronomical sources predict the sighting proves impossible due to the moon’s position and eclipse. Science leans toward Sha’ban reaching 30 days, so Ramadan starts Thursday, February 19.
The committee’s decision comes after testimonies conclude. We await the official word on Ramadan 2026 start date in Saudi Arabia.
source https://enews.hamariweb.com/islam/ramadan-2026-start-date-in-saudi-arabia-moon-sighting-committee-sits-today-on-feb-17/
0 Comments