Derian: Wednesday Marks the First Day of Ramadan
2/17/2026 6:10:00 PM
Lebanon’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian, announced that tomorrow, Wednesday, will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, he said: “It has been confirmed according to Islamic law that the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH is tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This follows the view of the majority of Islamic jurists that if the crescent of Ramadan is sighted in one country, it applies to all countries. The crescent has been sighted in several Arab and Islamic countries.
We congratulate Muslims on this blessed month and ask God Almighty to make it a month of goodness and blessing. We pray for guidance to observe its fasts, prayers, and proper conduct, and to act according to His will. May He bring its blessed days to Muslims and all Lebanese with security and peace. He is indeed All-Hearing, All-Responding. Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan.”
In a statement, he said: “It has been confirmed according to Islamic law that the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH is tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This follows the view of the majority of Islamic jurists that if the crescent of Ramadan is sighted in one country, it applies to all countries. The crescent has been sighted in several Arab and Islamic countries.
We congratulate Muslims on this blessed month and ask God Almighty to make it a month of goodness and blessing. We pray for guidance to observe its fasts, prayers, and proper conduct, and to act according to His will. May He bring its blessed days to Muslims and all Lebanese with security and peace. He is indeed All-Hearing, All-Responding. Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan.”