By Spy Uganda
Hundreds of millions of Muslims across the globe are preparing to begin fasting for the holy month of Ramadan, with many set to start on Wednesday following the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia. However, differing astronomical interpretations mean that in several countries the sacred month will officially commence on Thursday instead.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. On Tuesday evening, Saudi astronomers reported sighting the moon, prompting the Royal Court to declare Wednesday as the first day of fasting. The announcement is traditionally followed by several Muslim-majority nations.
Countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates also confirmed that Ramadan would begin on Wednesday.
However, religious authorities in Jordan, Oman, Syria and Turkey announced that the crescent moon had not been sighted in their territories and that fasting would instead begin on Thursday.
Astronomy Versus Traditional Sighting
The difference in start dates stems from varying methods used to determine the beginning of Ramadan. Saudi religious authorities continue to rely on direct visual sightings of the crescent moon, a practice rooted in Islamic tradition dating back to the time of Prophet Muhammad. Observers positioned across low-light areas of the kingdom submit reports to the Saudi Supreme Court, which then issues an official declaration.
Yet advances in astronomy have led some experts to challenge the possibility of the moon being visible on Tuesday evening.
The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology in the UAE, as well as Oman’s Main Committee for Moon Sighting, stated that the crescent would not be visible until Wednesday night, making Thursday the more likely start date based on astronomical calculations.
Imad Ahmed, founder and director of the New Crescent Society, argued that on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the crescent moon was “astronomically impossible to see,” whether by telescope or the naked eye across the Middle East, Asia, Africa or Europe.
Despite such claims in previous years, Saudi authorities have occasionally declared the start of Ramadan even when some astronomers questioned the visibility of the moon.
A Month of Worship and Reflection
Regardless of the differing start dates, Ramadan remains a deeply significant period for Muslims worldwide. From dawn to sunset each day, observant Muslims abstain from food and water, breaking their fast at sunset with a meal known as iftar. Traditionally, many begin their iftar by eating dates, following the practice of Prophet Muhammad.
The month is marked by increased prayer, recitation of the Quran and acts of charity. Special nightly prayers known as “Tarawih” are held in mosques, drawing large congregations seeking spiritual renewal.
Ramadan is not only a time of personal reflection and discipline but also one of community. Families and neighbors gather for evening meals, and many cultures observe unique traditions. In Sarajevo, for example, a cannon is fired daily to signal the breaking of the fast, while in Egypt, colorful lanterns known as “fanous” decorate homes and streets.
The holy month culminates in Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of fasting. Celebrations typically include communal prayers, festive meals, sweets and the exchange of gifts, symbolizing gratitude, generosity and unity.
As Muslims around the world await the official confirmation in their respective countries, the spirit of Ramadan — devotion, compassion and togetherness — remains a shared bond across borders, regardless of when the first day of fasting begins.
