By News Agencies

In a landmark announcement on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Sultanate of Oman became the first nation to officially declare the starting date for the holy month of Ramadan.

The Main Committee for Moon Sighting, under the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA), confirmed that Thursday, February 19, 2026, will mark the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH. This early declaration provides clarity for citizens and residents, allowing families to begin their spiritual and logistical preparations with certainty.

The decision was based on astronomical calculations showing that the new moon (crescent) could not be sighted on Tuesday, February 17, because the moon would set before sunset across the country, making visual sighting impossible.

Because the crescent moon was not visible on February 17, the Islamic month of Sha’ban will complete 30 days on Wednesday, February 18, and Ramadan will begin the next day, Thursday, February 19.

This makes Oman one of the first GCC countries to officially announce the holy month’s start using scientific moon data, a blend of tradition and astronomy.

Traditionally, Islamic months begin when a new crescent moon is sighted by the naked eye after sunset on the 29th day of the previous month. If the moon isn’t seen, the month completes 30 days and a new month begins the next day.

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