Muscat – Thursday, February 19, 2026 will mark the first day of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH in Oman, the Main Committee for Moon Sighting announced on Wednesday.

The committee said confirmed astronomical calculations show that the moon will set on Tuesday, 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH (February 17, 2026), before or at sunset across all governorates of Oman, making the sighting of the Ramadan crescent on that day astronomically impossible.

In line with the principle of rejecting reports that contradict observable reality and scientific certainty when sighting is deemed impossible, the committee declared that Wednesday, February 18, will complete the month of Sha’ban, and Thursday, February 19, will be the first day of Ramadan.

On the occasion, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs congratulated and extended its best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, praying for his continued health and well-being. The ministry also conveyed greetings to the people of Oman and Muslims worldwide, praying that Allah accepts their fasting, prayers and good deeds during the blessed month.