Ramadan 2026: Dispute among Arab countries and 3 scenarios that will determine the first day of the month - Wednesday or Thursday?

Arab Weather - Sinan Khalaf - When does Ramadan 2026 - 1447 begin? And will Arab countries be able to see the crescent of Ramadan 2026 - 1447 on the day of observation? .. The Arab Weather team conducted this study on the details and conditions of observing the crescent of the month of Ramadan this year, which showed a high probability of a difference in the beginning of the holy month between Arab and Islamic countries.

According to the study's findings, the crescent moon of Ramadan will be sighted this year after sunset on Tuesday, 29 Sha'ban 1447 AH, corresponding to February 17, 2026. The central conjunction (the astronomical birth of the new moon and the start of the month) will occur at 3:01 PM on the same day, several hours before sunset. The crescent is expected to remain visible on the horizon for a few minutes after sunset in several Arab countries, presenting the fatwa committees with three possible scenarios:

When will Ramadan 2026 - 1447 begin?

The points of contention regarding the start of Ramadan 2026:

• Astronomical path: Some countries will rely on the birth of the crescent moon and the beginning of the month astronomically, and will declare Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan.
• The monitoring and investigation process: Other countries will investigate the crescent of Ramadan, but they will not be able to see it, which is consistent with the astronomical opinion that it is impossible to see the crescent due to its young age and its proximity to the sun at sunset, so Thursday, February 19, will be declared the first day of Ramadan.
• Proof of the legitimate sighting: By going back to previous years and examining the past, it becomes clear that the crescent of the month of Ramadan was seen in Saudi Arabia under similar astronomical conditions, which keeps the possibility of the legitimate sighting standing.

Ultimately, determining the first day of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH remains a decision in the hands of the Sharia committees and the efforts of the Fatwa Council, as they are the final arbiter in announcing the beginning of the holy month, and God knows best what is right.