Oman has officially announced the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. According to the announcement, the first day of Ramadan in the Sultanate will fall on 19 February 2026.
The decision comes after careful observations and calculations regarding the lunar calendar. Reports indicate that 17 February will mark the 29th day of Sha’ban, the month preceding Ramadan. However, the crescent moon signalling the start of Ramadan is not expected to be visible on that evening.
Oman’s Supreme Moon Sighting Committee, responsible for confirming the lunar calendar, stated on Wednesday, 11 February, that Sha’ban will complete 30 days on 18 February. Astronomical calculations support this decision, showing that the moon will set before sunset across all regions of Oman on 17 February, making it impossible to sight the crescent that day.
The committee emphasised that the announcement was made using a combination of religious and scientific criteria, ensuring both traditional observances and modern astronomical calculations were respected. This approach reflects Oman’s continued commitment to harmonising religious practices with precise astronomical data.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The start of Ramadan is traditionally determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon, which can vary depending on geographic location and weather conditions.
The following table summarises the key dates for Oman:
| Date | Islamic Month | Key Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 February 2026 | Sha’ban 29 | Moon not visible | Crescent moon sets before sunset |
| 18 February 2026 | Sha’ban 30 | Sha’ban completes 30 days | Astronomical calculations confirm |
| 19 February 2026 | Ramadan 1 | First day of Ramadan | Officially announced by Moon Sighting Committee |
The announcement provides clarity for religious institutions, schools, and the wider public, allowing families and communities to prepare for the sacred month.
The committee urged residents to follow the official announcement and highlighted that observing Ramadan according to accurate lunar calculations helps maintain uniformity and avoids confusion, especially in a country where regions may experience different moon visibility conditions.
Oman’s proactive approach exemplifies the balance between faith and science, ensuring that religious observances are both spiritually meaningful and astronomically precise.