Oman to Russia: These countries will mark first day of Ramadan on Feb 19
Saudi Arabia and UAE begin the holy month a day earlier
DUBAI – Muslims in several countries across Asia, Europe, and Central Asia will begin observing Ramadan Thursday, February 19, after local crescent moons were not sighted on Tuesday evening.
Religious authorities confirmed that the month of Shaaban will complete 30 days, setting the first day of fasting for the following day.
Countries confirming February 19 start:
- Oman: First GCC nation with February 19 start after traditional lunar observation.
- Indonesia: Crescent not sighted; first fast Thursday.
- Malaysia: Moon not visible; Ramadan begins February 19.
- Brunei: Lunar sighting incomplete; start of Ramadan Thursday.
- Singapore: Islamic Religious Council confirms first day.
- Japan: Hilal Vision Committee sets February 19 start.
- Turkey: Presidency of Religious Affairs confirms first fast.
- Philippines: Bangsamoro Grand Mufti announces February 19 start.
- France: Great Mosque of Paris confirms first day.
- Australia: Grand Mufti announces Thursday as start.
- Central Asia: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan – Crescent not sighted; first fast Thursday.
- Jordan: Crescent not sighted; holy month begins February 19.
- Russia: Grand Mufti Sheikh Rawil Gaynutdin confirms first fast on February 19.
- Iraq: Crescent not sighted; Ramadan begins February 19.
South Asia awaiting moon sighting
Several South Asian countries that have not yet finalised their official announcements are expected to mark the beginning of Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, following local moon-sighting sessions on Wednesday evening.
- Pakistan: Meteorological forecasts suggest the crescent could be visible on the evening of February 18, with the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee set to convene and officially decide whether fasting will begin on February 19. Astronomical data indicates improved visibility conditions on that date.
- India: Like Pakistan, India is awaiting its traditional moon sighting. Predictions point to a February 19
start for Ramadan, with local committees poised to confirm the crescent after observations. - Bangladesh: Authorities in Bangladesh are similarly preparing for crescent checking on February 18, with Ramadan likely to begin Thursday, subject to confirmed sighting reports.
- Iran: Officials have announced that Tuesday is the 28th of Sha’ban, with moon – sighting efforts planned the following evening; Ramadan is anticipated to start on February 19 or 20 based on the outcome of observations.
These nations follow traditional sighting procedures and will announce final dates after local observation results, reflecting varied lunar sighting practices across the Islamic world.
Why some countries begin later
Ramadan’s start is determined by the lunar calendar. If the crescent is not sighted on the 29th day of Shaaban, the month completes 30 days. This explains why countries like Oman, Indonesia, Japan, France, and Iraq will start observing Ramadan a day later than the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Faithful across the world are preparing for fasting, prayers, and acts of charity. Mosques are readying facilities for Taraweeh prayers, Quranic lessons, and communal Iftars. The holy month teaches discipline, patience, and generosity. Across nations, communities embrace Ramadan as a time for spiritual growth, family unity, and societal harmony.