This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18 or 19, with astronomical calculations suggesting that most countries will likely observe the first fast on February 19.

The United Arab Emirates' Council for Fatwa has confirmed the exact date that Shaban, the month before Ramadan, will begin

As the ninth month of the Islamic calendar approaches, the countdown has begun, raising the question many are asking: when is Ramadan in 2026?

And in Bangladesh, Ramadan arrives with its own familiar rhythms – and pressures. Ramadan follows the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. Because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan shifts earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.

Typically, India observes Ramadan one day after Saudi Arabia, as the crescent moon is first sighted in Saudi Arabia and in some regions of India and Western countries.

The International Astronomy Center in Abu Dhabi has reportedly captured the final crescent of Shabaan, indicating that the moon will be sighted on Tuesday.

Qatar's Ministry of Endowments has called on the public to sight the crescent moon on the evening of February 17 to determine the start of Ramadan. Muslims are urged to report any sightings to the ministry's headquarters.

As majority of the world begins Ramadan on February 18 and 19, there are two countries on the globe that will be kicking off the holy month of February 20. The two countries — Fiji and New Zealand — decided on doing so after not spotting the Ramadan crescent on the evening of Wednesday,