Ramadan 2026: Why has Ramadan not started yet in these two countries? Know what the Muslims here are waiting for

Ramadan 2026: The holy month of Ramadan has started in most of the Muslim countries of the world. Fasting started in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait from 18th February. Ramadan started in India, Pakistan, Oman and Egypt from February 19, but there are two countries where Ramadan has not started yet. Muslims in Fiji and New Zealand will observe the first Roza from 20th February.

Delay due to moon not being visible

In Fiji and New Zealand, the start of Ramadan was delayed by one day because the moon of Ramadan was not visible there. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and the Fiji Muslim League announced that the moon was not sighted on the evening of 18 February (29 Shaban according to the Islamic calendar).

Therefore, the 30th day of Shaban was completed on 19 February and the first fast of Ramadan will be on 20 February. Both organizations said that the astronomical conditions in their area were such that it was not possible to see the moon with the naked eye or even through a telescope.

Decision based on local moonlight

Both these countries strictly follow the tradition of moon sighting at the local level. They do not depend on the announcement of Saudi Arabia or other countries. So when the moon is not visible in their area, they advance the month by one day. This is the specialty of the Islamic calendar, which is based on the moon. Every year there is a difference of 10-11 days in the date of Ramadan.

When did Ramadan start in other countries?

Fasting is going on from 18th February in many countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Lebanon. Muslims in India are fasting from 19th February. In some countries the decision is based on astronomical calculations or Saudi announcement, while in remote areas like Fiji and New Zealand, local moon sighting is considered necessary.

importance of ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. In this, Muslims fast from morning till evening, worship and concentrate on self-purification. Sighting of the moon is the main basis of the beginning of this month. Due to the delayed start in Fiji and New Zealand, Muslims there will have to start fasting a day later, but they are following their tradition.