Doha, February 17 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has announced that Wednesday (February 18) will mark the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, following the sighting of the crescent moon.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs said its Moon Sighting Committee had confirmed the beginning of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH. The committee met at the ministry's headquarters in Doha under the chairmanship of Sheikh Dr Yahya bin Batty Al Nuaimi to verify testimonies of moon sightings on the 29th day of Shaaban, corresponding to Feb. 17, 2026.

The committee extended its congratulations on the occasion to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani; to HH the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani; to HH the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani; as well as to the government, the Qatari people and Muslims worldwide.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims around the world as a period of fasting, prayer and reflection, and is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. (QNA)