In a significant religious announcement spanning South Asia, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have collectively confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. This celestial observation officially marks the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan beginning Thursday, February 19th for millions of Muslims across the region.
The formal declaration in Pakistan was delivered by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee. The official moon-sighting committee convened in the city of Peshawar, where, after thorough verification, they confirmed the visibility of the new crescent, as widely reported by local media outlets.
Concurrent sightings were verified across multiple Indian states, including Assam, Bihar, the national capital territory of New Delhi, and the region of Jammu & Kashmir. This multi-location confirmation ensured a unified start to the religious observance, preventing the fragmentation of the holy month’s commencement that sometimes occurs due to differing sighting reports.
The synchronized announcement facilitates a harmonious beginning to Islam’s most sacred month, characterized by fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, and spiritual reflection. This coordination is particularly significant given the historical and political complexities between the neighboring nations, demonstrating a shared commitment to religious tradition that transcends geopolitical boundaries.