Around the world, millions of Christians and Muslims are starting to observe Lent and Ramadan, which are times for introspection, fasting, and devotion in their respective religions. Muslims observe Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, as a period of self-discipline, increased prayer, charity, and fasting from sunrise to sunset. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, and Christians who observe it will also begin a 40-day journey of prayer, penance, and self-denial that culminates on Easter Sunday.
The crescent moon sighting was formally declared by Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the first day of Ramadan 1447.
Following Tuesday night's Isha prayer, Taraweeh prayers will take place on Wednesday, marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, now that the Hilal has been confirmed.
"BREAKING: Saudi Arabia announces the first day of fasting for Ramadan to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026," said a post on X by @Muslim. Tonight, on the first evening of the auspicious month, Taraweeh will commence. It is advised that you observe the fasting period set by your nation and local society.
On Wednesday, Muslims in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries will start their first day of fasting at sunrise, marking the start of a month-long period of prayer, introspection, and devotion.
However, Thursday, February 19, is when Ramadan 2026 will start in Japan.
Additionally, Oman, Singapore, and Turkey have formally declared that the first day of Ramadan 2026 will be Thursday, February 19.
Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, announced Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan on Tuesday night.
He claimed that earlier on Tuesday, the 29th day of the Month of Shaban, the crescent moon was visible in nearly every region of the nation, marking Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan 1447.
In a press release signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaid, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, and made available to reporters in Sokoto on Tuesday, the Sultan urged all Muslim communities nationwide to observe the Islamic fast on Wednesday.
He said that numerous Islamic leaders nationwide informed the council about the moon sighting, which he said marked the beginning of the Ramadan fast on Wednesday.
He urged Muslims nationwide to continue praying for the nation's leaders during the month of Ramadan and to work toward reducing the level of insecurity in the nation.
However, as the Lenten season begins, Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic pope, has called on Christians worldwide to refrain from saying things that hurt and offend other people.
The Pope spoke to avoiding harmful language as a "very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence" in his 2026 Lenten Message, which was posted on the Vatican website ahead of Ash Wednesday.
"I want to invite you to a very practical and often overlooked form of abstinence: that of avoiding words that hurt and offend our neighbor," he stated.
Pope Leo XIV said the liturgical season offers a chance to put the mystery of God at the center of life as Christians begin Lent, a 40-day time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
He added that Christians should cultivate inner openness, especially towards the poor, whose struggles challenge individuals, economic systems, and even the church.
Highlighting the spiritual value of fasting, the Pontiff said it helps believers rediscover their deep desire for justice and frees them from complacency.
“Precisely because it involves the body, fasting makes it easier to recognise what we ‘hunger’ for and what we deem necessary for our sustenance,” he said.
The Pope emphasized the spiritual benefits of fasting, saying it releases Catholics from complacency and helps them rediscover their great yearning for justice.
He stated that fasting "makes it easier to recognize what we 'hunger' for and what we deem necessary for our sustenance because it involves the body."
He pointed out that maintaining the thirst for justice and appropriately controlling one's appetite are two benefits of fasting.
He did, however, issue a warning against actions that can breed arrogance, emphasizing that fasting must be done with humility and faith.
Pope Leo XIV specifically emphasized disarming one's language, which he called an underappreciated type of fasting.
He said, "Let us start by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves."
In their homes, places of employment, churches, on social media, and during political discussions, he urged Christians to practice love and respect.
Words of hatred would "give way to words of hope and peace" if believers adopted such discipline, he said.
In addition, the Pope emphasized the community aspect of Lent, urging parishes, families, and religious communities to become welcoming and listening spaces, particularly for those who are suffering.
In closing, he prayed that Christian communities would be strengthened to engage in a kind of fasting that includes language use, making more room for other voices.