These Two Countries Will Start Ramadan 2026 on February 20; Here’s Why

While most countries begin fasting on February 18 or 19, Fiji and New Zealand will start Ramadan a day later after the crescent moon was not sighted.

Publish date: Thursday، 19 February 2026 Reading time: 1 min read

These Two Countries Will Start Ramadan 2026 on February 20; Here’s Why

While much of the world is already in Ramadan mode, two countries are hitting pause for one more day.

Fiji and New Zealand will officially begin Ramadan 2026 on February 20 after authorities confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted on the evening of February 18, which marked the 29th day of Shaban.

Why the One-Day Delay?

In both countries, Islamic authorities rely on local moon sightings to confirm the start of Ramadan.

These Two Countries Will Start Ramadan 2026 on February 20; Here’s Why

The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and the Fiji Muslim League announced that since the crescent was not visible — even with telescopes — Shaban will complete 30 days. That makes February 19 the final day of Shaban, and February 20 the first day of fasting.

Astronomical calculations also showed that the moon could not be sighted from that region, reinforcing the decision.

What About the Rest of the World?

Most countries began Ramadan either on February 18 or 19.

Among those that started on February 18 are the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Sudan.

Meanwhile, Oman, Brunei, India, Pakistan, and Egypt began fasting on February 19.

Different start dates aren’t unusual. Ramadan begins based on lunar sightings, and visibility can vary depending on geography.

So while most of the globe is already fasting, Muslims in Fiji and New Zealand will be welcoming Ramadan on February 20 — just one day later, but with the same spirit.

This article was previously published on bahrainmoments. To see the original article, click here

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These Two Countries Will Start Ramadan 2026 on February 20; Here’s Why

Why the One-Day Delay?

What About the Rest of the World?

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