The holy month of Ramadan 2026 will most likely begin on Thursday, February 19, in Mecca. The exact start depends on the sighting of the crescent moon just after sunset on February 17 or 18. If the moon is seen on February 17, Ramadan will start on February 18, but this is unlikely as the moon will be just three hours old and visible only for minutes after sunset. Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries traditionally rely on witnesses who spot the crescent moon after sunset to declare the start. The moon must set after the sun and be visible at about 10 degrees distance from the sun with a lag time of at least 45 minutes for clear viewing. North American Islamic bodies like FCNA and ISNA have announced Ramadan will start on February 18 based on astronomical calculations. Europe, including Turkey, will begin on February 19 as visibility on February 17 is not possible. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court will announce the start after checking for moon sighting evidence on the evening of February 17, but a February 18 start is unlikely. Asian countries including India, Pakistan, and Singapore, as well as most African nations and Oceania, have also set February 19 as the start of Ramadan. Ramadan marks the month when the first Quran verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, smoking, and intimacy to foster spiritual growth and self-discipline. Fasting is one of Islam’s five pillars. Throughout Ramadan, greetings like "Ramadan Mubarak" and "Ramadan Kareem" are exchanged, meaning “blessed” and “generous” Ramadan respectively.