The Supreme Court calls for the sighting of the crescent moon of Ramadan 1447 on Tuesday, February 17th
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, which corresponds to the seventeenth of February 2026 AD according to the Gregorian calendar.
The court statement indicated that, in accordance with its previous decision No. (203H) which established the beginning of the month of Sha'ban on Tuesday, 1/8/1447 AH, next Tuesday will be the 29th of Sha'ban, the day designated for sighting the new moon according to the purified Sunnah of the Prophet. The Kingdom relies on the legitimate sighting of the new moon to determine the beginning of the Islamic months, whether with the naked eye or using advanced astronomical telescopes.
Astronomical investigation mechanisms and observatories
On the evening of the sighting, attention turns to the official astronomical observatories scattered throughout the Kingdom, most notably the Sudair and Tumair observatories, which are distinguished by their geographical locations and atmospheric conditions that often facilitate clear observation of the crescent moon. These observatories operate under the supervision of specialized committees comprised of astronomers and religious scholars to ensure the accuracy of the observations and the documentation of the testimonies.
If the crescent moon is not visible on Tuesday evening due to clouds or other weather conditions, the month of Sha’ban will be completed as thirty days, with Wednesday being the completion day of Sha’ban and Thursday being the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan, in accordance with the saying of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace: “Fast when you see it and break your fast when you see it, and if it is obscured from you, then complete the count of thirty.”.
Invitation to participate and collaborate
In its statement, the Supreme Court urged all those capable of sighting the new moon, possessing keen eyesight or experience in using binoculars, to pay attention to this matter and join the committees formed in their respective regions for this purpose. The Court emphasized that this action constitutes cooperation in righteousness and piety, and is of great benefit to all Muslims in determining the times of their prayers.
The court also requested that anyone who sees the crescent moon with the naked eye or with binoculars go to the nearest court to officially register their testimony, or contact the nearest center to help them reach the nearest court, in order to ensure that the sighting is documented in accordance with the legal and regulatory procedures followed.
The Islamic world eagerly awaits this announcement, as many countries and Islamic organizations around the world follow the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in determining the start of the holy month of Ramadan, given its religious status and its custodianship of the Two Holy Mosques.
