Ramadan crescent moon sighted in Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai; first day of Ramzan 2026 to begin on Thursday, Feb 19

The crescent moon of Ramadan 2026 has been sighted in Hyderabad and Mumbai – signalling the start of the holy month of Ramzan. As the moon has been sighted in the two cities, the one-month fasting will begin from Thursday, February 19. The Ramadan moon has also been sighted in Delhi.

The holy month, during which hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world observe a fast from sunrise to sunset, traditionally begins with the sighting of the crescent moon.

For Hyderabad, the sighting of the crescent moon was announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Sadar Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Deccan which is also known as the Moon Sighting Committee in Hyderabad.

Subai Jamiat Ahle Hadees in Mumbai said, “The moon of Ramadan 1447 AH has been sighted.” Also follow Moon Sighting LIVE Updates

In a press release on its social media handle X, the body said, “As of today, February 18, 2026, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of the Provincial Jamiat Ahle Hadith Mumbai has received information about the general sighting of the crescent moon from across the country.”

“Therefore, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of the Provincial Jamiat Ahle Hadith Mumbai announces that tomorrow, Thursday, February 19, 2026, is the first date of Ramadan 7, 144 AH.”

Naib Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Shaban Bukhari, officially announced the moon sighting, signaling the start of Ramadan 2026.

When is Ramadan starting in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18, the kingdom's royal court announced.

Many Muslim-majority countries around the world follow Saudi Arabia in determining the start of Ramadan, which gives its announcement particular importance.

"Wednesday, is the first day of the blessed month of #Ramadan," the official Saudi Press Agency posted on X Tuesday.

Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have also made similar announcements. Also Read | When does fasting begin in India? Crescent moon, first roza, Sehri, and Iftar timing

Observing the Ramadan fast, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires Muslims to refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking. Devout followers are also encouraged to give to the poor.

Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia is home to Islam's two holiest sites.

The practice of starting the month of Ramadan with the moon sighting has been followed since the time of the Prophet Mohammed, who linked the beginning of fasting to the sighting of the crescent.

Ahead of the announcement, an astronomical observatory more than 100 kilometres northwest of Riyadh, in the heart of the desert and far from any light pollution, hosted several observers who scanned the sky, according to AFP.

(With agency inputs)