Moonsighting Expert Advocates for Scientific Precision in Determining Ramadan 2026 Start
A prominent moonsighting expert has issued a compelling call to Muslims worldwide, urging them to base the commencement date of Ramadan 2026—and all other pivotal events within the Islamic calendar—on rigorously verified scientific calculations. This appeal emphasizes moving away from reliance on convenient yet potentially erroneous forecasts that lack astronomical validation.
Astronomical Factors Render Crescent Moon Invisible on February 17
Dr. Raja Zahid Nawaz, a frequent commentator on lunar observation and the Islamic calendar who disseminates his analyses via social media and broadcaster Noor TV, has issued a clear warning. He states that on February 17, the initial faint crescent of the newborn moon will be scientifically impossible to sight from numerous locations, including the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco.
This impossibility stems from well-established astronomical conditions: the moon's low altitude, insufficient elongation from the sun, minimal illumination, and inadequate lag time following sunset. In simpler terms, Dr. Nawaz clarifies that the moon will not be visible to the naked eye under these circumstances.
Urging Transparency and Accuracy Over Misinformation
Dr. Nawaz is encouraging individual Muslims to exercise discernment and not blindly follow unofficial or incorrect announcements. He cautions that doing so risks perpetuating a damaging cycle of misinformation that undermines community trust and scientific credibility.
In an interview, he expressed frustration with the annual pattern surrounding Ramadan's start: "As Ramadan approaches once again, so too does a familiar and frustrating cycle: premature announcements, questionable crescent claims, and media outlets repeating statements that simply do not withstand scrutiny. The start of the Islamic month is not guesswork. It is not sentiment. And it should certainly not be shaped by convenience."
Clarifying Valid Approaches and Condemning False Claims
Dr. Nawaz acknowledges that Muslim communities employ different methodologies. Some rely on astronomical calculations, while others depend on verified physical sightings of the crescent moon, either locally or in countries with established and credible moon-sighting systems. He affirms that both approaches possess legitimate scholarly foundations.
However, he vehemently opposes practices without any foundation: claiming a sighting when visibility is scientifically impossible. He notes that, based on previous years, announcements are often made regardless, frequently relying on pre-calculated calendars rather than authenticated sightings.
"What is even more concerning is what follows," Dr. Nawaz continued. "Media outlets across the world repeat the claim that 'the crescent has been sighted' without question, without context, and without verification. This domino effect does real damage. It undermines scientific credibility, creates confusion within communities, and erodes trust."
A Call for Honesty and Integrity in Declarations
Dr. Nawaz advocates for complete transparency in the criteria used to determine the start of Ramadan. He asserts that if a country chooses to follow calculation-based calendars, it should state so explicitly. Similarly, if a decision is based on the birth of the moon, that should be transparently communicated.
He calls for an end to the misleading practice of presenting calendar-based decisions as physical sightings. "Accuracy is not a minor technicality—it is a matter of integrity," he emphasized.
Issuing a direct appeal to all participants in moon-sighting declarations, Dr. Nawaz stated: "Ramadan for millions is a month built on reflection, discipline, and truthfulness. Announcing its start should reflect those same values. Communities deserve honesty about the criteria being used, not vague statements that blur the line between calculation and sighting. My call is simple: be transparent, be precise, and stop making claims that science has already ruled out."
Expected Start Dates and Community Preparations
Given the scientific assessment that moonsighting will not be feasible on February 17, the anticipated start date for Ramadan in the UK is currently projected for February 18 or 19. Organizations like Islamic Relief have shared provisional timetables based on a February 18 commencement but have indicated these will be updated pending the confirmed, official moonsighting announcement.
