Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting UK: Divided Opinions on Start Date Amid Sha’ban 1447 Uncertainty

Muslims in the UK await the Ramadan 2026 start as moon sighting committees differ. Wifaqul Ulama urges sighting attempts on February 18 for a likely Thursday, February 19 fast. Saudi followers may begin Wednesday, February 18. Astronomical data shows no visibility on February 17, 2026.

Today, February 17, marks 29th Sha’ban 1447 AH for local and regional moon sighting followers in the United Kingdom. Many treat it as the final day before Ramadan under pre-calculated or international criteria.

Wifaqul Ulama (UK) urges Muslims in Britain to attempt the moon sighting tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18 – their 29th Sha’ban. Their data shows moon conjunction at 12:12 GMT today. They state no sighting is possible anywhere tonight. Sha’ban completes 30 days, so Ramadan likely starts Thursday, February 19.

The New Crescent Society, partnering with the Royal Observatory Greenwich, plans a live-streamed event on February 18 to search for the crescent. Visibility remains near-zero in the UK today.

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court called for sighting tonight, February 17. If confirmed – though astronomers say the moon sets just minutes after sunset in Makkah, making it virtually impossible – followers in the UK begin Taraweeh tonight and fast on Wednesday, February 18.

Scientific consensus confirms the moon’s extreme youth today. No global sighting occurs. Many bodies in Turkey and Europe declare Thursday, February 19 as Ramadan’s first day.

Expected Ramadan 2026 Start Dates (1st Fast):

• Astronomical calculations (e.g., FCNA): Wednesday, February 18
• UK local sighting (Wifaqul Ulama): Thursday, February 19 (likely)
• Saudi Arabia followers: Wednesday, February 18 (pending)
• Turkey & European Council: Thursday, February 19

Ramadan 2026 moon sighting debates continue across the UK and globally. Check local mosques for final announcements. Ramadan Mubarak to all preparing for this holy month.