Ramadan 2026 has officially begun in Saudi Arabia after the crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday evening. As a result, the holy month of fasting started on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Saudi Arabia and several Gulf countries.
The announcement was made by Saudi Arabia's moon-sighting authorities, confirming the start of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. However, countries such as Oman and Turkiye will begin observing Ramadan from Thursday, February 19, as the crescent moon was not sighted there.
In India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on February 19, depending on local moon sightings.
Ramadan 2026 prayer and fasting timings (February 18)
For regions observing Ramadan from February 18, here are the key prayer timings:
Fajr (Dawn prayer): 5:08 am
Sunrise: 6:25 am
Dhuhr (Midday prayer): 12:07 pm
Asr (Afternoon prayer): 3:22 pm
Maghrib (Sunset prayer/Iftar): 5:49 pm
Isha (Night prayer): 7:01 pm
Note: Timings vary by city and country. Devotees are advised to check local Ramadan 2026 prayer time schedules.
When is Ramadan and what do Muslims do?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and holds immense religious importance for Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
During Ramadan:
- Muslims observe Roza (fasting) from dawn (Sehri) to sunset (Iftar)
- They abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and other physical needs during fasting hours
- Extra prayers, including Taraweeh, are performed
- Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) is encouraged
- Spiritual reflection and self-discipline are emphasised
The holy month concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr 2026, one of the most important Islamic festivals.
Ramadan 2026 wishes to share
- May this Ramadan slow your worries, calm your heart, and fill your days with quiet strength and light. Ramadan Mubarak.
- As the moon marks a new beginning, may your prayers feel lighter and your hopes feel closer this Ramadan.
- Wishing you a Ramadan where every fast brings clarity, every prayer brings peace, and every night brings gratitude.
- May this holy month not just change your routine, but gently transform your soul. Ramadan Kareem.
- May your Sehri be filled with intention, your Iftar with joy, and your days with kindness toward yourself and others.
- This Ramadan, may you find blessings in small moments - a quiet prayer, a shared meal, a peaceful heart.
- May the spirit of Ramadan bring patience to your mind, mercy to your heart, and light to your path ahead.
- Wishing you a month where faith feels deeper, burdens feel lighter, and hope feels stronger than ever.
- May every sunset this Ramadan remind you that endings can be beautiful and new beginnings are always near.
- May this Ramadan bring you more than what you ask for - peace you didn't expect and blessings you didn't see coming.