Khaberni - Currently, Muslims around the world are increasingly wondering about the start date of the month of Ramadan 2026, especially with its close association with worship and the organization of daily family life.
The determination of the beginning of Ramadan 2026 relies on precise astronomical calculations, followed by legitimate monitoring to sight the hilal (crescent), making the official announcement sometimes vary from one country to another. In this report, we review the latest astronomical details expected for the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan 1447 AH.
Astronomical calculations for the beginning of the month of Ramadan 2026
According to recent astronomical calculations, the hilal of Ramadan is born immediately after the conjunction on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, which is the day relied upon for lunar sighting in most Islamic countries.
Astronomical estimates indicate that the new hilal will be very close to the horizon at sunset on this day, with the possibility of sight varying from one region to another. In some areas, the hilal remains after sunset for just a few minutes, while in other areas, it sets with the sunset or just minutes before, making visual sighting difficult in a number of countries.
Based on these data, the following day is the completion of the month of Sha'ban, and thereafter begins the astronomic new month of Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in most countries, taking into account that the final announcement is linked to the results of the local legitimate sighting.
Why does the start date of Ramadan vary from one country to another?
The difference in the start date of the month of Ramadan between countries is due to several factors, notably geographical location, sighting conditions, and whether some countries rely only on local sighting while others rely on joint sighting or assisting astronomical calculations.
The proximity of the hilal to the horizon and the short duration it remains visible after sunset make its observation with the naked eye vary, which explains the difference in the announcement of the first day of fasting despite the uniformity of the basic astronomical calculations.
The astronomical calculations indicate that the hilal of the month of Shawwal is born after the conjunction on Thursday, March 19, 2026, which is the day of sighting at the end of Ramadan.
The estimates clarify that the new hilal remains after sunset for sufficient periods in a large number of regions, enhancing the chances of its sighting. Therefore, based on this, the beginning of the month of Shawwal 1447 AH astronomically falls on Friday, March 20, 2026, which is the first day of Eid al-Fitr, with adherence to the official announcement issued by the competent authorities in each country.
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which is the period it takes for the moon to complete a full orbit around the Earth. The Hijri year consists of 12 lunar months, with Ramadan being the ninth and one of the most significant from a religious perspective.
This calendar was established during the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, may God be pleased with him, and the migration of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Mecca to Medina was taken as the reference for its beginning, making the Hijri calendar fundamental in determining the seasons and Islamic occasions, with Ramadan at the forefront.
