The Sultanate of Oman has officially determined the commencement date for Ramadan 1447 through advanced astronomical calculations, establishing February 19, 2026, as the first day of the holy month. This announcement comes several days before the traditional global moon sighting event scheduled for February 17.
The nation’s Main Committee for Moon Sighting provided scientific justification for their decision, explaining that on February 17 (corresponding to Shaban 29, 1447), the moon will set before or simultaneously with sunset across all Omani governorates. This celestial alignment makes visual detection of the crescent moon astronomically impossible throughout the Sultanate.
Citing established principles that prioritize scientific certainty over contradictory reports, the Committee confirmed Wednesday, February 18 will mark the final day of Shaban, with Ramadan commencing the following day. This methodology aligns with neighboring UAE findings, where Sharjah’s Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology similarly concluded that crescent sighting on February 17 would be impossible even using advanced telescopic equipment across most Islamic regions.
The coordinated scientific approach between Gulf nations demonstrates a growing trend toward harmonizing religious observance with astronomical precision, ensuring unified regional observance of Islam’s holiest month while maintaining respect for traditional moon sighting practices elsewhere in the Muslim world.