Saudi Arabia sees Ramadan crescent as Pakistan prepares to confirm start

RIYADH/ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia reported the sighting of the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday, setting the start of the holy fasting month from Wednesday, while Pakistan’s official moon‑sighting body is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to determine the beginning of Ramadan.

Saudi state media and announcements from the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia urged Muslims across the kingdom to observe the evening sky after sunset for the Ramadan crescent, corresponding to the 29th day of Shaban in the Islamic calendar. After the crescent is confirmed, the first day of fasting will be on Wednesday, February 18.

The process is closely watched across the Muslim world because the start of the holy month of Ramadan — a period of dawn‑to‑sunset fasting, prayer and reflection — is traditionally determined by the physical sighting of the new moon.

Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which officially confirms the start date in Pakistan, is set to convene in Peshawar on Wednesday afternoon to review testimonies from local observers, according to a report. The committee’s decision will determine whether the first day of Ramadan will fall on Thursday, February 19.

Astronomical forecasts by both the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission suggest favourable conditions for moon sighting on the evening of Februar 18, supporting expectations that Ramadan will start on February 19 in Pakistan.

Several other Muslim‑majority countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye and parts of Asia and Africa, are also anticipating the start of Ramadan around the same dates, with many expecting February 19 to be the first day of fasting based on astronomical calculations and early observations.

The annual announcement carries significant cultural and religious weight, as millions of Muslims worldwide prepare for a month marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, charity and spiritual reflection.