Ramadan 2026 Start Date: Expert Emphasizes Moonsighting Over Guesswork
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches in 2026, anticipation builds for the period of daily fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. The exact start date remains uncertain until the traditional sighting of the crescent moon, a process that experts stress is not based on guesswork or sentiment.
Predicted Start Date and Moonsighting Details
Ramadan began on March 1 in 2025, but for 2026, it is expected to start significantly earlier. UK astronomers at the HM Nautical Almanac Office have indicated that the moon will likely not be visible to the naked eye in Mecca on February 17. Forecasters suggest the crescent may be easily visible across Saudi Arabia on February 18, pointing to a probable start date of Thursday, February 19. This date has already been officially confirmed for Muslims in Oman.
However, variations are possible depending on local sightings. For some countries, Ramadan could begin on Friday, February 19, highlighting the global differences in observance.
Local Practices in Birmingham and the UK
In Birmingham, the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) follows announcements from Saudi Arabia, a practice shared by many mosques and Islamic organizations across the UK. Yet, some groups in the UK conduct their own moonsighting in British skies, leading to potential date discrepancies not only internationally but also within the UK.
Moonsighting expert Dr. Raja Zahid Nawaz commented on the importance of accuracy, stating, "As Ramadan approaches once again, so too does a familiar and frustrating cycle: premature announcements, questionable crescent claims, and media outlets repeating statements that simply do not withstand scrutiny. The start of the Islamic month is not guesswork. It is not sentiment. And it should certainly not be shaped by convenience."
Global Moonsighting Methods
The Saudi dates are calculated by the Institute of Astronomical and Geophysical Research in Riyadh and are adopted by nearby states such as Bahrain and Qatar, as well as some Islamic councils in North America. Other countries may rely on their own moonsighting efforts, lunar forecasts, or declarations from external sources.
Ramadan Observances and Eid ul-Fitr
Ramadan typically lasts 29 to 30 days, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, focusing on prayers, religious study, spiritual reflection, and acts of charity. Each day begins with a pre-dawn meal called sehri or suhoor and ends with an evening feast known as iftar. Five sets of prayers are performed throughout the day.
Eid ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is anticipated around Thursday, March 19, to Friday, March 20, 2026, contingent on moon sightings. This celebration concludes the holy month with communal prayers and festivities.
