Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on February 17
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia on Sunday called upon all Muslims throughout the kingdom to sight the crescent moon of the month of Ramadan on the evening of Tuesday, 29 Sha'ban 1447 AH, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, corresponding to February 17, 2026.
The court issued the call based on its decision No. 203/H dated 29/7/1447 AH, which set Tuesday, 1/8/1447 AH according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, corresponding to January 20, 2026, as the first day of Sha'ban 1447 AH.
The Supreme Court urged those who sight the crescent with the naked eye or through binoculars to notify the nearest court to record their testimony of the sighting or contact the nearest town center to help them reach the nearest court.
"The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sights it (the moon) with the naked eye or through binoculars to inform the nearest court and register their testimony, or contact the nearest center to assist them in reaching the nearest court," the authority said in its statement.
The court also hoped that those who have interest in this matter and joined the committees formed in the regions for this purpose would take part in this act that benefits all Muslims, in anticipation of reward from God.
If the crescent moon is sighted on Tuesday evening, the first day of Ramadan will be Wednesday, February 18. If the crescent is not sighted, Sha'ban will complete 30 days and Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19.
