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 important 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 twenty-ninth of Sha’ban, corresponding to February 17, 2026 AD.
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, August 1, 1447 AH (January 20, 2026 CE), was the first day of Sha'ban, next Tuesday will be the 29th of the month, which is the designated day for the official sighting of the new moon. The court urged anyone capable of sighting the new moon, whether with the naked eye or using astronomical instruments, to report their sighting to the nearest court and officially register their testimony, or to contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the relevant authorities.
The sighting mechanism and the importance of the sighting committees
The Supreme Court urged citizens and residents with the ability and experience to observe the new moon to pay attention to this matter and join the specialized committees formed in various regions of the Kingdom for this purpose. The Court emphasized that participating in this endeavor is considered an act of cooperation in righteousness and piety, and a means of seeking reward and recompense, given its benefit to all Muslims and its role in determining the times of their religious observances.
The legal and astronomical context for sighting the crescent moon
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relies on the direct sighting of the new moon to determine the beginning of lunar months, particularly Ramadan and the Eid holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, in accordance with the Prophet's teachings. Several astronomical observatories and moon-sighting committees are located throughout the Kingdom in strategic locations such as Sudair and Tamir, which are characterized by clear skies and distance from light pollution, thus facilitating the observation process. If the new moon is not sighted on Tuesday evening due to clouds or weather conditions, the month of Sha'ban is completed as thirty days, making Thursday the first day of Ramadan. However, if the new moon is sighted, Wednesday will be the first day of the holy month.
The religious and social significance of the event
The Muslim world eagerly awaits this announcement, as the sighting of the new moon marks the beginning of the season of worship and fasting. The impact of this announcement extends beyond religious observances, influencing daily life, working hours in both the public and private sectors, and the social and familial preparations that characterize this holy month. The Supreme Court's statement serves as the primary reference for many Islamic countries and religious authorities worldwide in determining the start of Ramadan.
