Ramadan Fasting in Singapore, Oman, and Australia Begins Thursday

1 week ago 3

February 18, 2026 | 09:40 am

Muslims perform tarawih prayers at the At Taqwa Mosque of Muhammadiyah Central Java in Semarang, Central Java, February 17, 2026. Muhammadiyah, using the hisab method, determined that the first of Ramadan falls on February 18, 2026, which is different from the government's. Tempo/Budi Purwanto

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Muslims in Turkey, Oman, Singapore, and Australia will begin fasting for Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after authorities in the four countries confirmed the start of the holy month based on astronomical calculations.

As reported by Anadolu Agency, Safi Arpagus, head of Turkey's Presidency of Religious Affairs, said the first Tarawih prayers (special night prayers during Ramadan) will be held on Wednesday night, and the first day of fasting will fall on Thursday.

Oman also confirmed that Muslims in the country will begin fasting for Ramadan on Thursday. Authorities in the Gulf state said Wednesday will be the last day of Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, without the need for public moon sightings.

Assistant Grand Mufti Kahlan bin Nabhan al-Kharousi said the decision was based on long-established religious and scientific principles.

Muslims in Singapore will also begin fasting for the holy month of Ramadan on February 19, according to a statement from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).

Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir said astronomical calculations indicate that the new moon of Ramadan will not be visible at sunset on February 17. This means the last day of Sha'ban will fall on February 18, and the beginning of Ramadan will be celebrated on February 19.

Australia also confirmed that the Muslim fasting month will begin on Thursday, based on astronomical calculations. This decision was approved by the Australian Fatwa Council after consultations led by Grand Mufti Ibrahim Abu Mohamad.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and begins with the sighting of the crescent moon.

While some countries rely on local moon sightings, others are increasingly using astronomical calculations to determine the start of the month, especially when scientific data confirms the impossibility of visual observation.

Read: Why Indonesia Set Ramadan to Begin on February 19

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Why Indonesia Set Ramadan to Begin on February 19

2 jam lalu

Why Indonesia Set Ramadan to Begin on February 19

The Indonesian government has set the start of Ramadan 1447 H/2026 CE on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Indonesia Confirms Start of Ramadan on February 19

13 jam lalu

Indonesia Confirms Start of Ramadan on February 19

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has announced that the beginning of Ramadan 1447 H falls on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

How to Gradually Reduce Caffeine Intake During Ramadan

14 jam lalu

How to Gradually Reduce Caffeine Intake During Ramadan

A solution for coffee enthusiasts to cope with caffeine withdrawal symptoms during Ramadan.

Indonesia to Hold Isbat Session This Afternoon to Determine Ramadan

16 jam lalu

Indonesia to Hold Isbat Session This Afternoon to Determine Ramadan

The Indonesian government holds an isbat session to determine the beginning of Ramadan 1447 H tonight.

Heavy Rain Expected Across Indonesia Amid Chinese New Year, Early Ramadan

19 jam lalu

Heavy Rain Expected Across Indonesia Amid Chinese New Year, Early Ramadan

BMKG reveals the potential of heavy rain and strong winds in the upcoming days, particularly during the Chinese New Year and the beginning of Ramadan holidays.

Jakarta Gov't Bars Ormas from Raiding Restaurants During Ramadan

1 hari lalu