The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta' (BDI) has announced that the holy month of Ramadan in the Philippines will officially begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following the non-sighting of the crescent moon.

In an official statement released Tuesday evening, the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta said the decision came after moon-sighting activities conducted in various parts of the country on February 17 failed to spot the crescent moon (hilal). As a result, the current month of Sha’ban will be completed to 30 days, making February 19 the first day of Ramadan 1447 Hijri.

“With that premise and by the AUTHORITY vested in me as Bangsamoro Mufti, I, ABDULRAUF A. GUIALANI, hereby announce that the crescent MOON was NOT SIGHTED TODAY. Therefore, Ramadhan Fasting 2026 will officially commence on Thursday, February 19, 2026 In Shaa Allah.” the statement read.

In a separate announcement, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) likewise confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted.

“As the national government agency tasked with providing accurate information regarding the concerns and welfare of Muslim Filipinos, hereby announces that, based on the results of the moon sighting activities conducted by the NCMF, in coordination with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Darul Ifta and various Ulama groups, as well as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Moon (Hilal) was not sighted,” the NCMF said in its statement.

Both agencies emphasized that the completion of Sha’ban to 30 days aligns with Islamic tradition when the crescent moon is not visible.

“This sacred time reminds us that faith is strengthened through patience, compassion, and sincere devotion,” the NCMF added.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. From dawn to sunset, the faithful abstain from food and drink, dedicating the month to spiritual renewal and acts of charity.