Saudi Arabia Announces Ramadan 2026 Start Date Despite Astronomical Discrepancies
Saudi Arabian officials have officially declared the commencement of Ramadan 2026, confirming the sighting of the new moon crescent. This announcement aligns with the kingdom's pre-established calendar but directly contradicts detailed astronomical forecasts from international sources.
Official Declaration and Local Implications
The Lunar Crescents Department of the Saudi Supreme Court convened a session to evaluate reports regarding the crescent sighting. After thorough review and consideration of testimonies from multiple trustworthy witnesses, the department ruled that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will mark the first day of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.
This decision influences various organizations globally, including Green Lane Masjid in Birmingham, which often follows Saudi announcements. However, Islamic tradition emphasizes local moon sightings within each country to ensure national unity in prayers, fasting, and spiritual observance.
Contradictory Astronomical Data
The Saudi announcement starkly contrasts with predictions from the UK Government's official astronomers at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Their comprehensive forecasts indicated that the crescent moon would not be visible on February 17, 2026, across nearly all regions worldwide, including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, the UK, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, and the USA.
February 17 represents the 29th day of Shaban in most Islamic calendars, the critical date for moon sighting attempts. Without a confirmed sighting, Shaban would extend to a 30th day, pushing Ramadan's start to Thursday, February 19. Given the astronomical unlikelihood of visibility on February 17, many observers postponed their searches until February 18, when the crescent was expected to be clearly observable.
UK Moon Sighting Events and Expectations
In the United Kingdom, the Royal Observatory and the New Crescent Society are organizing a nationwide moon sighting event for Ramadan on Wednesday evening. The event will feature live presentations from New Crescent Society Director Imad Ahmed and Royal Observatory astronomer Jake Foster, exploring the connections between astronomy and Islam while offering practical tips for spotting the new crescent moon.
Participants from across the UK will report their sightings, and a UK moon sighting committee will announce the official date via Noor TV, an Islamic broadcaster based in Birmingham. Based on astronomical data, it is widely anticipated that Ramadan 2026 in the UK, determined by local sightings rather than overseas reports, will begin on Thursday, February 19, one day later than Saudi Arabia's declaration.
This discrepancy highlights the ongoing interplay between religious traditions, local practices, and scientific predictions in determining significant dates within the Islamic calendar.
