Ramadan and lent begins today, with millions of Muslims and Christians entering sacred seasons marked by fasting, prayer, reflection and renewed discipline. From the Middle East to Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia, communities are beginning days that reshape routines, deepen worship, and place charity and self-examination at the centre of daily life.
For Muslims, the start of Ramadan follows the confirmation of the crescent moon that signals the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the Ramadan crescent, meaning fasting begins on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with Taraweeh prayers held from Tuesday night after Isha.
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto also declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan, following the moon-sighting process handled by the Sultanate Council.
At the same time, Ramadan and Lent begin across the globe for Christians observing the opening of Lent through Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of a 40-day period of prayer, penitence and self-denial leading to Easter. In 2026, Ash Wednesday falls on February 18.
Ramadan begins as Saudi confirms crescent
The clearest trigger for the Ramadan calendar is the Hilal, the new crescent that marks the new month. Saudi Arabia’s confirmation means Muslims in the Kingdom and many communities that align with Saudi announcements will begin fasting on Wednesday.
This is why Ramadan and Lent begin today is not just a headline but a real-time global shift: prayer halls fill, homes adjust meal schedules, and late-night worship returns to the rhythm of cities.
Across the Gulf, major outlets reported Ramadan 1447 beginning on February 18 following moon-sighting confirmations.
Nigeria: Sultanate Council declaration sets Ramadan start
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto’s declaration is the national reference point for the start of Ramadan. This year’s announcement aligns with the Saudi timeline, placing the first fast on February 18.
That alignment matters because Ramadan, Lent begin today it will be experienced in Nigeria with its own strong local texture: early morning sahur meals, dawn prayers, adjusted market hours, and expanded almsgiving.
Premium Times also reported the Saudi start while noting Nigeria’s moon-sighting and decision process.
Lent opens with Ash Wednesday
For Christians, Ramadan and lent begins today because Ash Wednesday also lands on February 18 this year. Lent is observed in many Christian traditions as a season of repentance, prayer, fasting, and spiritual discipline leading to Easter.
Ash Wednesday is widely recognised as the doorway into Lent, often marked by church services and the symbolic use of ashes as a reminder of human mortality and humility.
Two sacred seasons, one global moment
While Ramadan and Lent are distinct in theology and practice, they intersect this year in a striking way: both begin on the same day for many communities.
So when we say Ramadan and lent begins today, it captures a rare alignment that will be felt in airports, offices, campuses, homes, and online spaces as people adjust routines for worship, fasting, and devotion.
In practical terms, it means:
- Muslims begin fasting from dawn to sunset, with increased prayers, Qur’an recitation, charity and community iftars.
- Christians begin a season of prayer and self-denial, with many choosing fasting practices, giving, and spiritual disciplines through Lent.
Why start dates can differ across countries
One point worth stating clearly: moon sighting can vary by geography and by the rules adopted by national authorities. Some countries follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement; others rely strictly on local sighting or national moon-sighting committees.
That is why Ramadan, Lent begins same day it may still look like “today” in one place and “tomorrow” in another for some Muslim communities, depending on their local decisions.
The message from religious authorities: follow your local guidance
Even with global headlines, religious bodies often advise worshippers to follow the fasting time and start date recognised by their country or local community leadership. This keeps observance organised and avoids confusion.
That practical advice sits quietly behind the headline Ramadan and lent begins today, , because faith is local even when the story is global.
A season shaped by devotion and charity
Ramadan is historically associated with heightened charity and community solidarity, while Lent is commonly associated with reflection, repentance, and generosity. For millions, the next weeks will be defined by spiritual intention, quieter choices, and renewed devotion.
So yes, Ramadan and lent begins today,. But beyond the calendar, what follows is the deeper story: two great faith communities turning toward discipline, prayer, compassion, and the search for spiritual clarity.
https://ogelenews.ng/ramadan-lent-begin-today-across-the-globe
