Ramadan 1447 Begins

For Muslims, Ramadan — the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar — is a time of fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayers, charity, and self-discipline.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447.

With the Hilal confirmed, the holy month begins on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with Taraweeh prayers observed after the Isha prayer on Tuesday night.

Muslims in Nigeria, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and several other countries will also begin fasting on Wednesday.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, confirmed the sighting of the crescent in various parts of Nigeria, declaring Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan 1447.

According to a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaid, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, the Sultan urged Muslims to dedicate the holy month to prayers for national peace, security, and good leadership.

However, countries including Japan, Oman, Singapore and Turkey announced that Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, due to differences in moon sighting.

Lent Commences

At the same time, Christians across denominations are beginning the 40-day Lenten season, a period of prayer, penance, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter Sunday.

The season formally begins with Ash Wednesday.

In his 2026 Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV urged Christians worldwide to abstain from hurtful and offensive speech, describing it as a practical yet often overlooked form of fasting.

“I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour,” the Pontiff said.

He encouraged believers to cultivate kindness, humility, and attentiveness — both to God and to others — stressing that fasting should be practiced in faith and not as a display of pride.

The Pope also highlighted the communal dimension of Lent, urging families, parishes, and communities to become places of listening and compassion, particularly toward the poor and vulnerable.