SINGAPORE (Bernama): Muslims in Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia will observe the beginning of Ramadan on Thursday, Feb 19.
Mufti of Singapore, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, said that, according to astronomical calculations, the crescent of Ramadan is not visible above Singapore's horizon at sunset this evening, as the moon sets four minutes before the sun.
Nazirudin said Wednesday marks the completion of the month of Syaaban at 30 days.
"Therefore, I am pleased to declare that the beginning of Ramadan for the year 1447H falls on the day after tomorrow, Thursday, Feb 19, 2026,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
The mufti also wished the entire Muslim community in Singapore a blessed Ramadan.
"Let us seize this precious opportunity to strengthen our faith and devotion to Allah s.w.t. through steadfast worship, gratitude, graciousness and giving in our interactions with one another,” he added.
In Indonesia, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar announced that the decision was made following the Isbat meeting held on Tuesday (Feb 17) to determine the start of Ramadan, which took into account astronomical calculations (hisab) and moon sighting, verified by officers at 96 observation points nationwide.
"Thus, based on the astronomical calculations and as there were no reports of the crescent moon being sighted, 1 Ramadan falls on Thursday, Feb 19,” he said at a press conference broadcast live on the Religious Affairs Ministry’s YouTube account.
Isbat is an official government forum to confirm the beginning of Islamic lunar months. The session was held at the Rasjidi Auditorium at the Religious Affairs Ministry building and chaired by Nasaruddin.
Participants include representatives from Islamic organisations, embassies of Muslim-majority countries, the Indonesian Ulama Council, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Islamic astronomy experts, members of the House of Representatives (DPR), and representatives of the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Highest Council for Islamic Religious Affairs also announced on Tuesday that fasting will begin on Thursday.
Muslims make up more than 800,000 people, or about five per cent of Cambodia's population of 17 million, which is predominantly Buddhist. - Bernama
