The determination of the start of Ramadan 2026 is a matter of concern for Muslims around the world as the holy month of 1447 Hijriah approaches. This momentum is eagerly awaited because it marks the beginning of the obligatory month-long fast.
Several countries have officially designated Thursday (February 19, 2026) as the first day of fasting after observing the crescent moon or based on astronomical calculations.
However, as in previous years, some countries began Ramadan on different dates due to differences in determination methods and criteria.
The following is a list of countries that have set the 1st of Ramadan 1447 AH on Thursday (February 19, 2026), including an explanation of the sighting and hisab methods used.
The determination of the start of Ramadan often varies across the world. These differences are generally influenced by:
- The sighting method (direct observation of the crescent moon).
- The hisab method (astronomical calculations).
- Criteria for crescent moon visibility in each country.
- Geographical factors and weather conditions.
- Standard altitude and elongation of the moon at sunset.
Therefore, variations in the start date of fasting are normal in the Hijri calendar and have been occurring for years.
List of Countries Officially Starting Ramadan on February 19, 2026
Several countries confirmed that 1 Ramadan 1447 AH falls on Thursday (February 19, 2026). The announcements were made after religious authorities declared the crescent moon sighting or based on official astronomical calculations that met their respective national criteria. The following is the complete list:
1. Oman
Oman declared Thursday (February 19, 2026) as the first day of fasting. Local authorities stated that the crescent moon sighting results met the applicable criteria.
Although in previous years Oman has sometimes differed from neighboring countries, in Ramadan 2026 the determination was made simultaneously with several countries in the region.
2. Egypt
Egypt, through Dar al-Ifta, announced the start of Ramadan on Thursday (February 19, 2026). The announcement was made after official sightings at several observation locations.
In addition to direct observation, this institution also considered astronomical data to ensure the accuracy of its decision. The results were broadcast nationally through official media.
3. Jordan
Jordan declared 1 Ramadan 1447 AH on Thursday (February 19, 2026) after the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon. Monitoring teams were deployed in various regions to ensure the reports received were accurate and accountable according to Sharia law.
4. Indonesia
Indonesia declared 1 Ramadan 1447 AH on Thursday (February 19, 2026) through an isbat (confirmation) meeting held by the government, along with representatives of Islamic organizations and astronomy experts.
The method used was a combination of hisab (calculation) and rukyat (seeking the crescent moon) at various crescent observation points throughout Indonesia. After the reports were verified and deemed to meet the criteria, the government officially announced the start of fasting.
5. Singapore
Singapore, through the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), declared Ramadan 1447 AH to fall on Thursday (February 19, 2026). The religious authority used an astronomical calculation approach, taking into account regional crescent visibility criteria, and then officially announced the results to the local Muslim community.
6. Malaysia
Malaysia also declared Ramadan on Thursday (February 19, 2026). The announcement was made after the crescent moon sighting process was carried out at several strategic locations. This decision became a national guideline and was followed simultaneously throughout Malaysia.
7. Australia
Australia declared Thursday (February 19, 2026) as the start of Ramadan based on an announcement by the Fatwa Council and local Islamic organizations. Given its location in the southern hemisphere, the decision was made based on astronomical calculations and confirmation of the visibility of the crescent moon relevant to the region.
8. France
France, through its local Muslim Religious Council, announced that Ramadan 1447 AH would begin on Thursday (February 19, 2026). The determination took into account astronomical calculations and coordination with religious authorities at the European level.
9. Turkey
Turkey declared 1 Ramadan 1447 AH on Thursday (February 19, 2026) based on the official Hijri calendar published by the national religious authority. Turkey is known for systematically using astronomical calculations to determine the start of the Hijri months, including Ramadan.
10. Japan
Japan also began Ramadan on Thursday (February 19, 2026). The Muslim community in Japan followed the announcements of local Islamic organizations, which referred to global observations and calculations. Although the Muslim population is relatively small, coordination of the determinations was still carried out in a structured manner.
11. Brunei Darussalam
Brunei Darussalam officially declared 1 Ramadan 1447 AH to fall on Thursday (February 19, 2026). The announcement was made by the kingdom’s religious authorities after the rukyatul hilal (seeing the crescent moon) process was completed. As an Islamic monarchy, the decision applies nationwide.
Although many countries declared Ramadan 2026 on Thursday (February 19, 2026), not all countries began fasting on the same day.
Some countries announced the start of Ramadan on different dates, depending on local rukyat results, crescent moon visibility criteria, the moon’s position at sunset, minimum lunar altitude and elongation standards, and weather conditions during the observation.
Countries with stricter visibility criteria or less favorable sky conditions may declare the start of Ramadan a day later. This discrepancy is a common phenomenon in the global Hijri calendar system.
Methods for Determining the Start of Ramadan 2026
To understand the similarities in the determination of Thursday (February 19, 2026) across many countries, here are two main methods used:
1. Rukyat (crescent sighting)
This method involves directly observing the first crescent moon after sunset on the 29th of Sha’ban. If the crescent moon is sighted and its sighting is accepted, the following day is designated as the first day of Ramadan.
2. Hisab (astronomical calculations)
This method uses mathematical calculations and astronomical data to determine the moon’s position. Some countries combine hisab and rukyat to increase accuracy and legal certainty.
In 2026, astronomical parameters in several regions indicated that the crescent moon could potentially be sighted the night before Thursday (February 19, 2026), leading many countries to designate that date as the start of Ramadan.
The determination of Ramadan 2026 on Thursday (February 19, 2026) in several countries reflects the results of crescent moon sightings and the alignment of astronomical parameters, which indicate the arrival of Ramadan 1, 1447 Hijri.
Despite differences in some regions, the most important thing for Muslims is to prepare themselves spiritually and physically to fast during Ramadan 2026 with sincerity.