As Ramadan approaches in 2026, the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has once again issued its annual call for Muslims across the country to observe the crescent moon to determine the official start of the holy month. According to an official announcement, Muslims are encouraged to look for the crescent moon on the evening of the 28th of Sha'ban, corresponding to February 17, 2026 and to report the sightings, with or without optical aids, to the nearest court or verification center for official recording.
The court stated in a press release, “The court requests that anyone who sights the crescent moon with the naked eye or with binoculars register their testimony with the nearest court or contact the center to be directed to the nearest court to register their testimony.” The court added, “We hope that those who are able to sight the crescent moon will join the committees formed for this purpose, seeking reward and recompense for their cooperation in righteousness and piety, which benefits all Muslims.”
