This week, Muslims around the world are getting ready for the start of Ramadan. In Morocco, the announcement from the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs is still awaited. While some countries have already set the dates for the holy month based on scientific calculations and moon sightings, Morocco's decision is pending. DR ‹ › As countries worldwide look to the skies to spot the lunar crescent marking the start of Ramadan 1447 AH (2026 AD), some regions have already made announcements based on scientific calculations. The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) has declared that the holy month will commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. According to their statement, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20. Meanwhile, Germany's Central Council of Muslims (ZMD) has also used scientific calculations to determine that Ramadan will begin on February 19, 2026, concluding on March 19. In his message for the occasion, Abdassamad El Yazidi, the council's president, emphasized that Ramadan is «a time for inner reflection». He noted, «It brings us back to our faith, our responsibility to one another, and our relationship with Allah», and highlighted that «this month symbolizes mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal». El Yazidi added, «Through fasting, we learn patience, develop gratitude, and strengthen our compassion, especially towards the less fortunate and the most vulnerable in our society». Observations Aligning with Scientific Calculations In Belgium, the Council of Muslim Theologians set Thursday, February 19, as the start of Ramadan following a virtual meeting held this Tuesday. The Executive of Muslims of Belgium (EMB) expressed in a statement their hope «that this blessed month will be marked by wisdom, patience, and, above all, solidarity towards those in distress following recent natural and human-made disasters». Indonesia, too, has announced that Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, as confirmed by the Hisab Rukyat agency in South Sulawesi province. This was reported in a statement. Similarly, Brunei has set the same date, with the announcement broadcast on national radio and television after confirming the absence of the lunar crescent. Muslims in Malaysia will also commence fasting on Thursday, February 19, as per a statement by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, broadcast on Malaysian Radio and Television (RTM). The observation took place this Tuesday, setting the date for the beginning of Ramadan. In Japan, the Lunar Crescent Observation Committee has also declared Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan. The same date was confirmed by the National Council of Imams in Australia, following extensive consultations, as noted in a statement. Singapore echoed this announcement. The Start of Fasting in the Arab Region Among the Arab nations, Saudi Arabia was one of the first to announce that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The country's Supreme Court had earlier called for the observation of the lunar crescent this Tuesday. In Qatar, the Crescent Observation Committee of the Ministry of Waqf also declared that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will mark the start of the holy month.
