Saudi Arabia has officially announced 
Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan 2026.
The Saudi news agency, SPA, reported the news, saying that the crescent moon was visible for the sighting committee tonight.
Many other countries have announced Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan, including Qatar.
During Ramadan, Muslims across the country will engage in different activities, including flocking to mosques during the evenings to perform the isha and extended Taraweeh prayers.
Taraweeh are special nightly prayers that mosque goers practice exclusively during Ramadan.
In addition to prayers, Muslims are encouraged to increase charitable activities to help people in need.
Ramadan, one of the pillars of Islam, is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During the month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from drinking, eating, and smoking.
During the holy month, thousands, if not million Muslims, including locals in Saudi Arabia, perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
Umrah can be taken at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, many prefer to take their pilgrimage during Ramadan because they believe it brings extra blessings from Allah (God).
Many other countries around the world, including the US and Canada, anxiously await Saudi Arabia’s announcement for the start of Ramadan, as they often follow suit to indicate when Muslims in their country will begin observing the holy month.
