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Ramadan 2026 Begins Tomorrow: Moon Sighted, First Roza on Feb 19

The crescent moon for Ramadan 2026 has been sighted, marking the start of the holy month with the first fast beginning on Wednesday, February 19. Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali announced the sighting and appealed for prayers to be offered inside mosques, not on streets. In a related development, the Telangana government has issued an order permitting Muslim employees to leave work at 4 PM during Ramadan to facilitate breaking their fast. The holy month is a period of fasting, spiritual reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide.

Key Points: Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighted, First Fast Starts February 19

  • Moon sighted for Ramadan 2026
  • First fast begins February 19
  • Appeal to offer prayers inside mosques
  • Telangana grants early exit for employees
  • Month of fasting, prayer, and reflection
2 min read

Moon sighted for Ramadan 2026, first roza to be observed tomorrow

The Ramadan 2026 moon has been sighted. The first roza is on Feb 19. Telangana allows early office exit for Muslim employees during the holy month.

"It has been announced by the Moon Committee that the moon has been sighted... tomorrow, February 19, 2026, will be the first Roza - Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali"

Lucknow, February 18

The crescent moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan has been sighted and the first roza will be observed tomorrow.

Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, Qazi-e-Shahr and President of the Markazi Chand Committee, Farangi Mahal, Lucknow, has announced that the moon for the holy month of Ramadan has been sighted on Tuesday.

Accordingly, the first day of Ramadan will be observed on Wednesday, February 19.

Speaking to ANI, the Lucknow Eidgah Imam extended greetings to the Muslim community on the occasion of the commencement of the holy month.

"It has been announced by the Moon Committee that the moon has been sighted in different parts of the country today... Based on this, it is announced that tomorrow, February 19, 2026, will be the first Roza...," Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said.

He also appealed to people to offer prayers within the mosque premises. "Namaz should be offered only inside mosques. Namaz should not be offered on the streets. I appeal to everyone to offer Namaz inside the mosque only," he added.

Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. During this period, devotees fast from dawn to sunset and engage in increased spiritual activities, including special nightly prayers.

Meanwhile, the Telangana government earlier issued an order permitting Muslim government employees to leave offices and schools at 4:00 PM during the holy month of Ramzan.

According to Memo No. 677/Poll.B/26 dated February 17, 2026, the facility has been granted to Muslim government employees, teachers, contract and outsourcing staff, employees of Boards and Corporations, as well as Public Sector employees in the State.

The early departure provision is intended to enable employees observing the fast to return home in time to break their fast at sunset and perform religious duties.

The order applies across various departments and institutions in Telangana.

The holy month of Ramadan, which begins on February 19 this year, is expected to last approximately 29 to 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's fascinating to see how the moon sighting is still the traditional method for determining the start of Ramadan. Wishing everyone observing a peaceful and blessed month.
R
Rohit P
Ramadan Mubarak! The appeal to offer Namaz inside mosques is a good one. It helps maintain public order and shows respect for the sanctity of the prayer. The spirit of sacrifice and discipline during this month is something we can all learn from.
K
Karthik V
While the Telangana order is considerate, I hope similar accommodations are made for employees of all faiths during their major festivals. A uniform policy would be more equitable. That said, wishing everyone a holy Ramadan.
P
Priya S
The atmosphere during Ramadan is always special. The evening iftar gatherings and the sense of community are wonderful. May this month bring peace and blessings to all.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the blend of ancient tradition (moon sighting) with modern governance (the Telangana memo). A respectful nod to religious observance within the framework of the state.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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