Muslims across the world are preparing to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH. It is the month in which believers fast, draw closer to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, repent, strengthen social bonds and experience the physical benefits of fasting that renew the body.
As the month approaches, discussions and questions intensify regarding the actual start date of Ramadan 2026. Astronomical forecasts have placed potential dates into public debate. However, such projections carry no religious weight. The determination of the first day of Ramadan is only known on Tuesday after Maghrib, upon the sighting of the crescent.
Determining the Beginning of Ramadan 2026
By the consensus of the Muslims, the month is established by one of two matters: sighting the crescent with the naked eye, or completing thirty days of the preceding month. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fast upon seeing it and break your fast upon seeing it. If it is obscured from you, then complete the number of Sha‘ban as thirty.” Agreed upon. The wording is from al Bukhari.
It is well known that determining the beginning and end of the month based solely on astronomical calculation contradicts consensus, as stated by the scholars. What the Sacred Law established is the commencement of the month through crescent sighting, or by completing Sha‘ban when the crescent is not visible due to clear skies or cloud cover.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Fast when you see it and break your fast when you see it. If it is obscured from you, then complete the number of Sha‘ban as thirty.” Narrated by al Bukhari.
With regard to astronomical projections, countries such as Turkey, Oman, Singapore and Qatar expect Ramadan to begin on Thursday 19 February 2026, while other countries including Pakistan, Iran and Bangladesh anticipate Wednesday 18 February 2026. Those who rely upon such calculations gain nothing but confusion.
Imam al Nawawi stated in al Majmu‘:
“Whoever claims reliance upon astronomical calculations, his statement is rejected due to the saying of the Prophet ﷺ in the two authentic collections: ‘We are an unlettered nation. We neither write nor calculate’ … They said: if people were burdened with that, it would cause hardship, as calculation is only known by a few individuals in major cities.”
As for those among later scholars who held a differing opinion, their view is not to be followed in this matter, even if they are senior scholars. They have opposed the Sunnah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
“O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” Surah al Nisa 4:59.
He also says:
“And in anything over which you differ, its ruling is to Allah.” Surah al Shura 42:10.
Allah says:
“And obey Allah and obey the Messenger.” Surah al Ma’idah 5:92.
“And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you, abstain from it.” Surah al Hashr 59:7.
“Let those who oppose his command beware lest a trial strike them or a painful punishment befall them.” Surah al Nur 24:63.
“But no, by your Lord, they will not believe until they make you judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves, then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in full submission.” Surah al Nisa 4:65.
The Prophet ﷺ clearly stated:
“Do not fast until you see the crescent, and do not break your fast until you see the crescent. If it is obscured from you, then complete the number.”
In another narration:
“Do not fast until you see the crescent or complete the number, and do not break your fast until you see the crescent or complete the number. If it is obscured from you, then complete the number as thirty.”
This is the clearest and most explicit guidance in the words of the Prophet ﷺ. It is not permissible to rely upon anything that contradicts it.
