AhlulBayt News Agency: The Grand Mufti of Al-Quds and the Palestinian Territories and Chairman of the Supreme Fatwa Council, Sheikh Mohammad Hussein, announced on Tuesday evening that Wednesday will mark the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, the Mufti said that during a meeting held at Aqsa Mosque to observe the Ramadan crescent moon, attended by religious scholars, official figures, and community representatives, and informed by astronomical calculations from within Palestine and abroad, the sighting of the crescent was confirmed in accordance with Islamic law. Accordingly, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, is the first day of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH.
The Mufti extended his congratulations to Muslims around the world and to the Palestinian people at home and in the diaspora on the arrival of the holy month. He prayed that it would be a time of goodness, mercy, and forgiveness; that the martyrs be granted the highest ranks of Paradise; that relief come soon to Palestinian prisoners; and that Al-Quds and Aqsa Mosque be protected.
This year’s Ramadan comes amid difficult humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, marked by loss and displacement, as Israeli forces continue to violate the truce agreement reached on October 11, 2025.
In Al-Quds, restrictions against employees of the Islamic Waqf Department continue, with Israeli authorities reportedly banning around 25 staff members and arresting four others, in what is seen as an effort to limit the department’s ability to manage the Mosque and organize religious activities.
Israeli occupation authorities have also prevented the Waqf from completing preparations for Ramadan, including installing shade canopies, setting up temporary medical clinics, and arranging logistical support to ensure the smooth conduct of worship.
Meanwhile, several countries also announced the start of Ramadan on Wednesday following moon sightings.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia confirmed that Wednesday marks the beginning of Ramadan, according to a statement from the Royal Court citing a decision by the Supreme Court.
Qatar
Qatar’s Moon Sighting Committee announced that Wednesday is the first day of Ramadan following its official meeting.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE Presidential Court announced that the Ramadan crescent had been sighted on Tuesday evening, confirming Wednesday as the first day of the holy month.
Yemen
Yemen’s Ministry of Endowments and Guidance also confirmed Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan after the crescent was sighted.
Bahrain
Bahrain’s official moon-sighting authority declared Wednesday the first day of Ramadan, based on confirmed sightings in Saudi Arabia.
Several other countries, including Kuwait, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, also announced Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan.
In contrast, Oman, Türkiye, Singapore, Malaysia, Jordan and Indonesia declared Thursday as the first day, due to the crescent not being sighted.
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