Muslims Begin Fasting in Some Countries, Others to Mark Beginning of Ramadan Thursday

IQNA – While some Arab countries have declared Wednesday the first day of Ramadan, Muslims in many other states will start the fasting month on Thursday.

Today is the first day of Ramadan in some Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, Al-Sharq reported.

The royal courts of the three countries confirmed on Tuesday evening that the holy month begins on February 18.

Meanwhile, several countries in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa have declared Thursday, February 19 as the first day of the holy month.

According to a report from the International Astronomy Center, sighting the Ramadan crescent on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, was not possible or highly unlikely throughout the Arab and Islamic world; whether with the naked eye, with a telescope or even using advanced astronomical imaging technologies.

Some religious scholars rely on astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of lunar months while most of them believe visual sighting of the moon should be used in this case.

Ramadan is the ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, and smoking.

They also devote more time to prayer, charity and good deeds, seeking to strengthen their faith and purify their souls.

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