Ramadan 1447, Lent 2026 Commence Across the Globe

Ramadan 1447, Lent 2026 Commence Across the Globe
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, urged Nigerian Muslims to use the holy month for spiritual renewal and to pray for national leadership and security
Pope Leo XIV in his 2026 Lenten message, encouraged believers to practise abstinence

Millions of Muslims and Christians around the world have commenced observances of Ramadan and Lent, marking periods of reflection, fasting, and devotion in their respective faiths.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that for Muslims, Ramada, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar is a time of fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, charity, and self-discipline.

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The crescent moon sighting in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria confirmed the start of Ramadan 1447 on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with Taraweeh prayers beginning Tuesday night. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, urged Nigerian Muslims to use the holy month for spiritual renewal and to pray for national leadership and security.

Ramadan 1447, Lent 2026 Commence Across the Globe

In other countries, including Japan, Oman, Singapore, and Turkey, Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19.

Meanwhile, Christians have begun the 40-day Lenten season leading up to Easter Sunday, starting with Ash Wednesday. Pope Leo XIV, in his 2026 Lenten message, encouraged believers to practise abstinence not only through fasting and prayer but also by avoiding hurtful language, fostering kindness, and showing attentiveness to the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

He emphasised that fasting cultivates justice, humility, and self-discipline, while promoting compassionate communication in families, communities, workplaces, and public life.

These twin observances highlight the global commitment of faith communities to spiritual reflection, self-restraint, and societal harmony as believers enter periods of devotion and moral renewal.