Australia’s Muslim community has officially welcomed the month of Ramadan 1447 AH after local religious authorities announced the first day of fasting for 2026, responding to moon-sighting and astronomical calculations to mark the beginning of this sacred month of Islamic worship. The announcement reflects both long-held traditions and modern scientific guidance to identify the new crescent moon that signals Ramadan’s start.
Religious leaders, including the Grand Mufti of Australia, called for unity among Muslim communities as they prepare for Ramadan, a period devoted to fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. Muslims throughout the country are making final preparations to begin fasting from dawn to sunset beginning on the first confirmed day.
The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon, known as hilal, which marks the transition from the month of Sha’ban to Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar. This calendar follows the phases of the moon, and sightings of the crescent after sunset are traditionally recognised by local moon-sighting committees or through validated astronomical calculations.
In Australia, estimates and community moon sighting groups have been closely watching the skies. Astronomical guides suggest that Ramadan 2026 may begin around February 18 or 19, depending on the moon’s visibility in various regions of the country. Many Muslim organisations had earlier shared predicted dates based on scientific data, noting how the lunar calendar shifts by approximately 10 days earlier each Gregorian year.
Australia has one of the most diverse Muslim communities in the world. With more than 800,000 Muslims, Islam is the second-largest religion in the country, representing a vibrant cultural and spiritual presence in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Community events, mosque gatherings, and interfaith programs often accompany the holy month.
Ramadan fosters a spirit of communal harmony, shared meals and increased charity. Many mosques organise Iftar meals each evening to break the fast at sunset, while Muslim-led charities coordinate fundraising and outreach efforts to support refugees, low-income families, and international relief.
Across the globe, other countries have begun announcing Ramadan start dates based on local moon sightings and calculations. Recent declarations from nations like Turkey and Singapore demonstrate how communities blend traditional practices with astronomical certainty to fix dates for worship and fasting.
As Ramadan begins in Australia, Muslims will observe the month through devotion, self-discipline, and generosity, culminating with Eid al-Fitr celebrations in March when the next new crescent moon is sighted.
