The Supreme Court calls for the sighting of the crescent moon of Ramadan 1447 AH on Tuesday evening
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia issued an official statement calling upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH. The Court specified Tuesday evening, corresponding to the 29th of Sha'ban 1447 AH (according to the Umm al-Qura calendar), and the 17th of February 2026, as the date for the sighting.
The court's announcement stated that, based on the previous decision confirming the start of the month of Sha'ban, Tuesday, the 29th of Sha'ban, would be the day for sighting the new moon. The Supreme Court urged anyone capable of sighting the crescent, whether with the naked eye or using astronomical instruments, to come forward and register their testimony. The court outlined the procedures, requesting that anyone who sights the crescent go to the nearest court to officially register their testimony, or contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the relevant court.
The importance of investigation and the legal context
This call comes in revival of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in observing the new moons of the lunar months, specifically the crescent of Ramadan, which is linked to the obligation of fasting, the fourth pillar of Islam. The night of observation, known as the "Night of Doubt," is an annual event eagerly awaited by Muslims, as the sighting determines whether the following day is the 30th of Sha'ban or the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan.
Preparations and field committees
In a related context, the Supreme Court urged those capable of sighting the new moon to join the official committees established in various regions of the Kingdom for this purpose. The Court emphasized the virtue of participating in this endeavor, considering it an act of cooperation in righteousness and piety, and a benefit to the Muslim community. Observatories for moon sighting are located in numerous areas throughout the Kingdom, characterized by clear skies and minimal light pollution, thus facilitating the observation process.
Regional and international impact
The announcement by the Saudi Supreme Court is widely followed across the Arab and Islamic world, given the Kingdom's stature and its custodianship of the Two Holy Mosques. Many Islamic countries and Muslim communities worldwide often rely on the sighting of the new moon in Saudi Arabia to determine the start of Ramadan, giving this event an impact that transcends geographical boundaries and unites Muslims in welcoming the holy month.
