As the crescent moon edges closer to the horizon, anticipation swells across Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has issued its annual call, urging Muslims throughout the Kingdom to search the skies on Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026, for the first sliver of the new moon that will mark the beginning of Ramadan. According to Arab News, the court has asked that anyone who sights the crescent—whether by naked eye or with binoculars—report their observation to the nearest court or contact the appropriate center for assistance. Committees have been formed in regions across the Kingdom, designed to ensure that the process is accessible and beneficial to all Muslims.
This year, Tuesday corresponds to Sha'ban 29 in the Islamic lunar calendar. If the crescent moon is sighted that evening, Ramadan will commence on Wednesday, February 18. If not, Sha'ban will complete 30 days, and Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19. This time-honored tradition of moon sighting—rooted in centuries of Islamic scholarship and practice—is more than a ritual; it is a communal act that binds Muslims to their faith and to each other, both locally and globally.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, cycles through the seasons, shifting each year due to the lunar system. As reported by the Associated Press, the start of the month can vary among countries and communities, with some relying strictly on moon sightings and others following different methodologies or astronomical calculations. This year, the expected start of Ramadan falls around February 18 or 19, a period that, intriguingly, coincides with Ash Wednesday—a solemn day of fasting and reflection for Christians that signals the beginning of Lent. The overlap is a rare alignment of two major faiths’ seasons of contemplation and self-restraint.
For Muslims, Ramadan is not only a time for abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset; it is a period of intensified worship, reflection, and charity. Fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is regarded as an act of worship and submission to God. The daily fast—no food, no water, not even a sip—serves as a reminder of the blessings often taken for granted and as a means to cultivate gratitude and empathy for those who are less fortunate. As the Associated Press notes, “Muslims see various meanings and lessons in observing the fast,” including self-restraint and spiritual growth.
The rhythm of Ramadan is marked by two meals: the predawn suhoor, which prepares the body for the day of fasting ahead, and the evening iftar, when families and friends gather to break their fast. These moments are often joyful and communal, with tables laden with dates, juice, and home-cooked dishes. In many regions, mosques fill with worshippers for nightly prayers and Quranic recitation, while charitable acts become a hallmark of the month. Providing iftar for those in need—whether through distributing boxes of pantry staples, handing out warm meals, or hosting free communal dinners—embodies the spirit of generosity that Ramadan seeks to inspire.
Exemptions from fasting exist for those who are ill or traveling, with the expectation that missed days will be made up later. This flexibility underscores Islam’s emphasis on compassion and practicality, ensuring that the fast does not become a hardship beyond one’s capacity.
Yet, Ramadan is not just a religious observance—it is a cultural phenomenon, rich with traditions that vary across the Muslim world. In Egypt, for example, vibrant lanterns of all shapes and sizes dangle from balconies and children’s hands, illuminating neighborhoods in a festive glow. Ramadan songs fill the air, and the predawn call of the mesaharati—a drummer who roams the streets to wake the faithful for suhoor—remains a cherished tradition. According to the Associated Press, “Ramadan’s soundscape in Egypt has traditionally included the predawn banging on drums by a ‘mesaharati’ who roams neighborhoods, calling out to the faithful, sometimes by name, to wake them up for the suhoor meal.”
Elsewhere, customs take on unique local flavors. In Indonesia, the diversity of Ramadan rituals is striking. In Aceh province, the Meugang festivities involve the slaughtering of animals, with the meat shared among family, friends, and the less fortunate. In Tangerang, residents flock to the Cisadane River to wash their hair with rice straw shampoo—a symbolic cleansing to welcome the holy month. Across Sumatra, children parade through the streets after evening prayers, carrying torches and singing Islamic songs, turning the night into a celebration of faith and community.
The United States, home to a racially and ethnically diverse Muslim minority, sees its own blend of tradition and adaptation. Gathering at mosques and Islamic centers for iftar meals and prayers provides a sense of belonging for many Muslim families. Some communities go further, organizing interfaith iftar dinners to foster understanding and unity among neighbors of different faiths. As the Associated Press highlights, “In the United States, where Muslims make up a racially and ethnically diverse minority, gathering at mosques and Islamic centers when possible for iftar meals and prayers provides many Muslim families with a sense of community.”
Modern times have brought new layers to the Ramadan experience. In many countries, a lineup of new television series debuts during the month, with advertisers vying for viewers’ attention as families gather after iftar. Markets and bazaars bustle with shoppers seeking Ramadan-themed tableware, decorations, and gifts. Yet, some worry that commercialization threatens to overshadow the month’s deeper spiritual meaning. There are ongoing debates within communities about striking a balance between festive rituals and the religious essence of Ramadan. As some see it, moderation is key: enjoying the social and cultural aspects of the month while keeping its core values at heart.
The process of determining the start of Ramadan remains a deeply communal and spiritual act. In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court’s call for moon sighting is both a nod to tradition and a practical measure, ensuring that the entire nation—and, by extension, much of the Muslim world—begins Ramadan in unison. The committees formed across the Kingdom help coordinate efforts, and the act of reporting a sighting is seen as a communal responsibility, one that connects individuals to the broader tapestry of the ummah, or global Muslim community.
As the world waits for the crescent moon to appear, Muslims everywhere prepare for a month that is at once solemn and joyous, rooted in ancient tradition yet ever-evolving with the times. Whether in the bustling streets of Cairo, the riversides of Indonesia, or the community centers of America, the arrival of Ramadan is a moment of renewal, reflection, and hope for millions.