Saudi Arabia Announces Start of Ramadan 2026 – Crescent Moon Officially Sighted

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon, marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH. The announcement was made by Saudi Arabia’s official religious authority, with the Ministry confirming that the crescent had been sighted and that Ramadan Mubarak would begin from this evening.

Following the announcement, mosques across the Kingdom have been called to begin Taraweeh prayers, the special nightly prayers observed throughout Ramadan, starting from tonight. Muslims around the world who follow Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting will also commence fasting from tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Taraweeh at Masjid Al-Haram, Makkah

At the Grand Mosque in Makkah (Masjid Al-Haram), this evening’s first Taraweeh prayer will be led by Sheikh Badr Al-Turki, who will serve as the first imam of the night. The second session will be conducted by Sheikh Dr. Al-Waleed Al-Shamsan. The evening will conclude with the Witr prayer, the final supplication of the night, to be led by the distinguished Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, the President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

Millions of worshippers and pilgrims are expected to fill the sacred halls of Masjid Al-Haram tonight as they begin their first Taraweeh of this blessed month. The Grand Mosque in Makkah remains the holiest site in Islam and draws the largest congregation in the world during Ramadan.

Taraweeh at Masjid Al-Nabawi, Madinah

At the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah (Masjid Al-Nabawi), tonight’s Taraweeh will be led by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Baijan, who will serve as first imam for the evening’s prayers. The night will be brought to a close with the Witr prayer, which will be led by Sheikh Mohammed Burhaji, who will guide the congregation through the final supplications of the first blessed night of Ramadan.

The Prophet’s Mosque, built on the site where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established the first Muslim community, holds a deeply spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Taraweeh prayers here draw hundreds of thousands of worshippers each night throughout the holy month.

The Spirit of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest period of the year for Muslims around the globe. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, engage in increased prayer, recitation of the Quran, and acts of charity. The Taraweeh prayers, performed after the nightly Isha prayer, are a cherished tradition observed in mosques worldwide.

Fikrokhabar extends warm wishes of Ramadan Mubarak to all our readers and to the entire Muslim community around the world. May this holy month bring peace, blessings, and spiritual renewal.