The scholar Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, Vice President of the Supreme Shiite Islamic Council, held a meeting this evening that included an elite group of scholars at the council’s headquarters. This meeting was devoted to listening to witness statements regarding the sighting of the crescent of the holy month of Ramadan.
After the meeting ended, Sheikh Al-Khatib issued a statement announcing that the sighting of the crescent moon was legally confirmed. He stressed in his statement that tomorrow, Thursday, February 19, 2026 AD, is the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH.
The statement explained that this decision was taken after ensuring that the certificates submitted met the Sharia requirements, in accordance with the procedures and principles followed in such cases. The statement called on believers to adhere to what was issued by the Council and to welcome this holy month with the lofty meanings it carries of worship, piety, and social solidarity.
