Ramadan 2026: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh announce first day of fasting; Iran awaiting final decision
Saudi Arabia, UAE among other GCC nations began fasting today
DUBAI – Muslims in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will begin observing Ramadan 1447 AH on Thursday, February 19, after the crescent moon marking the start of the holy month was sighted in both countries.
In Bangladesh, the National Moon Sighting Committee confirmed the crescent during a meeting at the Islamic Foundation in the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, announcing that fasting will begin on Thursday.
Indian media reported successful crescent sightings in cities including Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh), leading local moon-sighting bodies to confirm the start of Ramadan on February 19. Their announcements follow traditional visual observations conducted after sunset.
In Pakistan, the Central Ruet e Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad announced on Wednesday that the Ramadan crescent has been sighted across several regions. Based on verified testimonies submitted to the committee, he confirmed that the first fast will be observed on Thursday, February 19. Local meteorological forecasts had also indicated that the crescent would be visible on Wednesday evening, laying the groundwork for Thursday’s start.
Iran awaiting official announcement
Religious authorities in Iran have not yet issued an official statement confirming the start of Ramadan. Local moon-sighting committees are convening to observe the sky on Wednesday evening before issuing a final decision.
Astronomical analysis suggests that the crescent was unlikely to have been seen on Tuesday, February 17, meaning the month of Sha’ban would complete 30 days and Ramadan is most likely to begin on Thursday, February 19 in Iran – a view supported by scientific predictions of visibility conditions.
Gulf nations started a day earlier
Several Gulf and Middle Eastern countries began Ramadan on Wednesday, February 18, after sighting the crescent moon a day earlier on Sha’ban 29. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Yemen all confirmed the crescent on Tuesday evening and declared Wednesday as the first day of fasting, following official moon-sighting committee reports.
Why dates differ each year
Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and follows the Islamic lunar calendar. Each month lasts 29 or 30 days depending on visibility, which can vary by geography and weather conditions. Because the lunar year is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Ramadan shifts earlier every year on the Western calendar.
More than a billion Muslims worldwide observe the month with daily fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayers, charity, and community gatherings.