Ramadan 2026: These two countries to begin fasting on February 20 – here’s why
DUBAI – While most of the Muslim world has already begun observing Ramadan on February 18 and 19, two countries – Fiji and New Zealand – will officially commence the holy month on Friday, February 20, 2026.
The decision comes after Islamic authorities in both nations confirmed that the Ramadan crescent was not sighted locally on the evening of Wednesday, February 18 (29th of Shaban).
Crescent not sighted on 29th Shaban
In New Zealand, the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) announced that since the moon was not visible anywhere in the country, Thursday, February 19, would complete 30 days of Shaban. Consequently, Friday, February 20, was declared the first day of Ramadan.
Similarly, the Fiji Muslim League confirmed that the crescent could not be sighted in Fiji, leading to the same conclusion.
Both bodies emphasised that their decisions were based on verified local observation reports.
Religious authorities in both countries noted that astronomical calculations had already indicated that Fiji and New Zealand were not located in regions from where the crescent moon could have been sighted – either with the naked eye or even with telescopic assistance – on that particular evening.
As both countries strictly follow local moon sighting criteria, they completed 30 days of Shaban before announcing the start of Ramadan.
Ramadan begins across the world
In contrast, several countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Sudan began fasting on February 18 after confirming the crescent sighting.
Meanwhile, countries such as Oman, Brunei, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Egypt started observing Ramadan on February 19.
Why Ramadan dates differ
The Islamic calendar follows a lunar system, and the beginning of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon after sunset on the 29th day of Shaban. Due to differences in geography, time zones, and atmospheric conditions, visibility varies across regions – resulting in different start dates around the world.
For Muslims in Fiji and New Zealand, Ramadan 2026 will therefore begin on Friday, February 20, in accordance with local religious rulings and moon-sighting practices.