The Supreme Court calls for the sighting of the crescent moon of Ramadan 1447 on Tuesday evening
The Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued an official statement calling on all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of the blessed month of Ramadan for this year 1447 AH, on the evening of Tuesday, the 29th of Sha’ban 1447 AH, which corresponds to February 17, 2026 AD according to the Gregorian calendar.
Details of the Supreme Court's statement regarding the sighting of the crescent moon
The court clarified in its statement that, based on its previous ruling that Tuesday, the 1st of Sha'ban 1447 AH (corresponding to January 20, 2026), was the first day of Sha'ban, next Tuesday will be the 29th day of the month, which is the legally prescribed date for sighting the new moon. The court urged anyone who sights the new moon, whether with the naked eye or using binoculars, to report it to the nearest court and register their testimony, or to contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the nearest court.
The mechanism of sighting and community participation
The Supreme Court urged citizens and residents capable of sighting the new moon to pay attention to this matter and join the committees formed in their respective regions for this purpose. The Court emphasized the virtue of this act, noting that it falls under the category of cooperating in righteousness and piety, benefiting all Muslims, and seeking reward and recompense from God Almighty for determining the beginning of the holy month.
The importance of sighting the crescent moon in Islamic and Saudi heritage
The sighting of the crescent moon for Ramadan is an annual event eagerly anticipated by the Muslim world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relies on the sighting of the new moon, in accordance with Islamic tradition, to determine the beginning of lunar months. The Kingdom places great importance on this ritual, establishing official moon-sighting committees in various locations characterized by clear skies and equipped with modern astronomical instruments to support the sighting. This reflects the integration of Islamic jurisprudence and modern astronomical methods to ensure the accurate start of the month.
Preparations for welcoming the holy month
With the issuance of this statement, official and public preparations begin for the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan. The confirmed sighting of the crescent moon signals the start of this season of worship, fasting, and prayer, with all eyes turning to observatories and moon-sighting sites on Tuesday evening. If the crescent is not sighted on Tuesday evening, the month of Sha'ban will be completed as a 30-day month, making Thursday the first day of Ramadan. However, if the crescent is sighted, Wednesday will be the first day of the holy month. We ask God to grant us the blessing of reaching it in peace and faith.
