The official moon sighting for Ramadan 1447 AH in Pakistan is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The final decision will be made after testimony collection and verification by the national moon sighting authorities.

Below is the complete 2026 ultra-detailed update covering Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, and global expectations.

Ramadan Moon Sighting Announcement 2026 – Pakistan

In Pakistan, the official decision rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad.

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Meeting Details:

• Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
• Location: Peshawar
• Zonal Committees: Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Islamabad
• Time: After Maghrib prayer

Scientific Data:

• Moon Birth: February 17, 2026 at 5:01 PM PST
• Expected Visibility: Fair chance on February 18
• Coastal visibility (Karachi): Crescent visible ~59 minutes after sunset

Expected Outcome:

If the crescent is sighted on February 18:

• 1st Roza in Pakistan: Thursday, February 19, 2026

If not sighted:

• Ramadan will begin Friday, February 20, 2026

The official announcement is usually made between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM PST.

Ramadan Moon Sighting Announcement 2026 – Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, moon sighting decisions are announced by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia typically observes the moon earlier due to western geographical positioning.

Expected Timeline:

• Moon observation evening: February 18, 2026
• Likely 1st Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: February 19, 2026

Saudi announcements are usually made shortly after Maghrib local time.

Shaban Moon Sighting 2026

The Shaban crescent (start of Sha’ban 1447 AH) was observed approximately 29 days before Ramadan moon sightingThis determines whether Ramadan will be 29 or 30 days after Shaban.

Shaban moon confirmation ensures accurate Islamic calendar tracking leading into Ramadan.

Moon Sighting Ramadan 2026 – Philippines

In the Philippines, moon sighting decisions are generally announced by Islamic authorities within the Bangsamoro region.

Because of geographical differences:

• Ramadan in Philippines may align with Saudi Arabia
• Or follow local sighting confirmation

Expected first fast: February 19 or February 20, 2026 depending on visibility.

Comparison of Moon Sighting Authorities (1447 AH)

Scientific prediction supports visibility on February 18, but final confirmation depends on verified eyewitness testimony.

What Happens on February 18, 2026?

1. Committees gather after Maghrib
2. Public testimonies collected nationwide
3. Astronomical data reviewed
4. Verification process conducted
5. Official press conference held

The chairman announces:

• Whether the moon was sighted
• Confirmed first fasting date
• Complete Ramadan calendar guidance

Moonsighting Ramadan 1447 – Why Differences Happen

Moon sighting differences occur due to:

• Cloud cover
• Horizon clarity
• Geographic longitude
• Testimony acceptance standards
• Calculation vs physical sighting debate

Some countries follow astronomical calculation, while others strictly require naked-eye confirmation.

Moonsighting 1448 (Looking Ahead)

For reference, Ramadan 1448 AH is expected in early 2027. Exact dates will depend on lunar cycles and global visibility.

Final Expected Outcome for 2026

Strong astronomical indicators suggest:

• Crescent visibility on February 18
• 1st Ramadan on February 19, 2026 in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

However, only the official announcement from the respective moon sighting authorities will finalize the date.