A distinctive astronomical alignment will delay the commencement of Ramadan crescent observation in several Muslim-majority nations until February 18, 2026, according to celestial calculations from the Astronomy Centre. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Morocco, and Mauritania will initiate their official moon-sighting efforts on Wednesday rather than Tuesday due to specific calendrical considerations within the Islamic month of Shaban.
February 17 represents only the 28th day of Shaban in these regions, making traditional moon observation astronomically impossible on that date. Islamic tradition mandates that crescent sighting must occur on the 29th day of the preceding month, creating this one-day differential in the lunar observance calendar.
The astronomical complexity arises from unusual celestial mechanics occurring this year. Sunset timings indicate the moon will set nearly simultaneously with the sun across many regions, requiring astronomers to calculate visibility based on the lower edge of the moon’s disk rather than conventional upper-edge measurements. This precise astronomical phenomenon significantly impacts visibility calculations and observation methodologies.
Islamic scholars emphasize that moon sighting represents both a religious tradition and community practice, with Prophet Muhammad’s teachings encouraging direct visual observation. Modern astronomy serves in a supportive capacity rather than replacing traditional methods. Mohammed Shawkat Odah, director of the International Astronomical Union, has previously articulated that scientific calculations enhance rather than supplant physical observation traditions.
The global Muslim community employs diverse methodologies for determining Ramadan’s commencement, including local physical sighting (Ru’yah), astronomical calculations, standardized following of another nation’s declaration, or hybrid approaches combining scientific and traditional methods. These methodological differences frequently result in varied start dates across the Muslim world, reflecting the intersection of faith, tradition, and modern science in religious observance.
Antarctica presents a unique case where transient Muslim populations typically adopt the calendar of established Islamic authorities elsewhere, demonstrating the adaptability of lunar observance practices in extraordinary circumstances.