Saudi Arabia announces Ramadan starts Wednesday 18 Feb; Nigeria awaits moon sighting
Saudi Arabia declares Ramadan begins Wednesday, 18 February 2026, based on moon sighting committee confirmation. The Saudi Supreme Court ruled after testimonies of moon sightings and adherence to Islamic tradition: "Fast when you see it, end when you see it." Nigeria's NSCIA advises Muslims to search for the Ramadan moon Tuesday evening; if not sighted, Thursday 19 February becomes the first day. Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority nations determine Ramadan through moon sighting, contrasting with countries using astronomical calculations. Ramadan involves fasting from dawn to sunset, one of Islam's five pillars.