Ramadan 2026 in Saudi Arabia: Spiritual scenes of first Taraweeh prayer at holy mosques

2026-02-18 - 10:03

MAKKAH-TUL-MUKARRAMAH – The thousands of worshippers from around the world offered the first Taraweeh prayers of holy month of Ramadan at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, creating deeply spiritual and moving scenes in the holy mosques. The faithful from around the world gathered in large numbers at the sacred mosques to mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. The worshippers expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for granting them the opportunity to witness Ramadan and offered special prayers seeking forgiveness, mercy and blessings. At Masjid al-Haram, the area surrounding the Holy Kaaba was filled with congregants standing shoulder to shoulder in prayer. Similarly, at Masjid an-Nabawi, thousands assembled near the blessed Rawdah, creating an atmosphere of devotion and humility. The emotionally charged scenes left many worshippers visibly moved. Ramadan has commenced in Saudi Arabia following the sighting of the crescent moon. The first fast is also being observed today in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, and Afghanistan. Surat Al-Baqarah | Ayah 185 – 186 | Shaykh Abdul Rahman Sudais pic.twitter.com/1VZEzcZjRv — Haramain (@HaramainInfo) February 18, 2026 Ramadan 2026 in other countries on World Map Meanwhile, Turkey, Sweden, Australia, Egypt, Oman, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, France and Japan will observe the first fast on Thursday (tomorrow). In the United States, Canada, Belgium and the United Kingdom, the differences over moon sighting have led to varying announcements, with some communities beginning Ramadan today and others from Thursday. Federal government Ramadan timings 2026 for offices announced