Doha, February 17 (QNA) – The State of Qatar has announced that Wednesday (February 18) will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan following the sighting of a crescent moon.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs announced that the Lunar Observation Committee confirmed the start of Ramadan in 1447 AD. The committee met at the ministry’s headquarters in Doha, under the chairmanship of Dr. Sheikh Yahya bin Batti Al Nuaimi, to examine testimonies of moon sightings on the 29th day of Sha’aban, corresponding to February 17, 2026.

The Committee took this opportunity to congratulate His Highness Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. His Highness Father Amir, to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. To His Highness Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani. To the government, to the people of Qatar, and to Muslims around the world.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims around the world as a period of fasting, prayer and reflection, and is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. (QNA)