New Delhi

With an atmosphere of spirituality and celebration, the holy month of Ramadan has begun across the world. The crescent moon was sighted in the Arab world on Wednesday, marking the start of Ramadan there, while several other countries, including India, began observing the fast from Thursday.

From the three holiest mosques of Islam — Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem — to mosques in every corner of the globe, the special Taraweeh prayers have commenced. Many Arab and Muslim countries began Ramadan on Wednesday, while others, including India, Turkey, Oman, Singapore, and Australia, started fasting on Thursday.

Reports of moon sightings were received from various parts of India. After religious verification and confirmation of testimonies, Islamic scholars officially announced the beginning of Ramadan. In Delhi and the National Capital Region, overcast weather had made moon sighting unlikely. However, initial reports of crescent sightings emerged from Bihar and Assam, leading to the decision that the first fast would be observed on Thursday, February 19.

Qazi Rizwan Nadvi of Imarat Shariah Phulwari Sharif, Patna, stated that credible reports of moon sightings were received from multiple locations and confirmed after due verification. According to an official statement, the crescent was sighted in Ranchi, Lohardaga, Darbhanga, Gaya, and other areas, marking the start of Ramadan. Idara-e-Shariah Aurangabad and Milli Council Bihar also confirmed the sighting. Qazi Faizan Sarwar Misbahi noted that the sky was clear in Aurangabad, Bihar, allowing for an easy sighting of the moon before the formal announcement was made.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Some countries rely on local moon sightings, while others prefer scientific and astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of the month.

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In Saudi Arabia, the crescent was sighted on Tuesday evening, and Wednesday was declared the first day of Ramadan. Religious authorities in Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Palestine, Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti also announced Wednesday as the first day of fasting. Iraq’s Sunni Waqf Board and Shia scholars confirmed the same, and areas of Yemen under Houthi control also began fasting on Wednesday. In Lebanon, Sunni Muslims observed their first fast on Wednesday following an announcement by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian.

On the other hand, Egypt declared Thursday as the first day of Ramadan after the crescent was not sighted on Tuesday evening. The announcement was made by Grand Mufti Nazir Ayyad. Jordan, Syria, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Tunisia, Algeria, and Malaysia also began fasting on Thursday. Turkey, Oman, Singapore, and Australia confirmed the start of Ramadan based on astronomical calculations.

King Salman’s Message

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud extended Ramadan greetings to citizens, residents, and Muslims worldwide. In his official message, he described Ramadan as a blessed month of mercy and forgiveness, during which the rewards for worship are multiplied. He thanked Allah for the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims who visit them and reaffirmed his commitment to this responsibility. He also prayed for peace and prosperity in the Kingdom, for Palestine, the Muslim Ummah, and global stability.

First Taraweeh at the Holy Mosques

On Tuesday night, millions of worshippers offered Isha and Taraweeh prayers at Masjid al-Haram and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Local residents, expatriates, and Umrah pilgrims from around the world participated in the spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Authorities had finalized extensive arrangements to ensure smooth management and comfort for worshippers.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announced a comprehensive operational plan for Ramadan, enhancing service quality and administrative efficiency. Zamzam water distribution was ensured, special arrangements were made to maintain cleanliness and fragrance within the Grand Mosque, and multilingual digital guidance screens were activated. Ground units equipped with instant translation devices were deployed to assist international visitors.

Taraweeh at Al-Aqsa

In Jerusalem, thousands of Palestinians offered the first Taraweeh prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday evening. The mosque’s halls and courtyards were filled with worshippers, and the prayers were led by Sheikh Yusuf Abu Sneineh. Heavy Israeli police presence was observed throughout the compound during the prayers.

Earlier, Grand Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Hussein announced that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, corresponding to 1 Ramadan 1447 Hijri, would be the first day of fasting following confirmation of the moon sighting.

Rising Tensions and Restrictions

The prayers were held amid heightened tensions in occupied East Jerusalem, particularly around the Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israeli authorities have intensified security measures, including arrests and temporary restrictions on religious figures and social activists. According to the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, restrictions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem were tightened before Ramadan, affecting access to places of worship. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 250 Palestinians have reportedly been barred from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque. On Monday evening, Imam Sheikh Muhammad al-Abbasi was detained by Israeli police and later released with a one-week ban from entering the mosque.

Ramadan Greetings from the United States and Canada

Donald Trump extended his best wishes to those welcoming the blessed month of Ramadan, describing it as a time of spiritual renewal, reflection, gratitude, and strengthening family and community bonds. He emphasized that religious freedom forms the foundation of national strength and prosperity and prayed for joy in homes, peace worldwide, and blessings in the year ahead.

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Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a Ramadan message, noting that Muslims in Canada and around the world would begin the holy month at sunset. He described Ramadan as a period of worship, reflection, gratitude, and spiritual joy. Addressing concerns about Islamophobia, he affirmed that combating hate remains a priority for the government and that there is no place for religious discrimination in Canada. He concluded by wishing everyone a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.