Millions of Muslims and Christians around the world have commenced the sacred observances of Ramadan and Lent, marking a period of fasting, prayer, repentance and renewed spiritual devotion.
For Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan—the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar—began on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following the official sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia. The announcement confirmed the start of Ramadan 1447, with Taraweeh prayers observed on Tuesday night after Isha.
Muslims in Nigeria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and several other countries aligned with Saudi Arabia in commencing the fast on Wednesday. However, countries including Japan, Oman, Singapore and Turkey announced Thursday, February 19, as their first day of fasting due to differences in moon sighting.
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, officially declared Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan after reports confirmed that the crescent moon was sighted in multiple locations across the country. He urged Muslims to use the holy month to pray for national peace, unity and improved security.
Ramadan requires Muslims to fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs, while placing strong emphasis on charity, self-discipline and spiritual purification.
Meanwhile, Christians across the globe have also entered the season of Lent, a 40-day period of solemn reflection marked by prayer, fasting and almsgiving, culminating in Easter Sunday. The season began with the observance of Ash Wednesday.
In his 2026 Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV called on Christians to abstain not only from food but also from harmful and offensive speech. He described restraint in language as a practical but often overlooked form of fasting.
The Pontiff stressed that Lent offers an opportunity for deep spiritual renewal, urging believers to embrace humility, justice and compassion. He encouraged Christians to “disarm their language,” avoid rash judgment and cultivate kindness in homes, workplaces, places of worship, social media and political discourse.
As both faith communities embark on their respective sacred journeys, the convergence of Ramadan and Lent this year stands as a powerful reminder of reflection, sacrifice, discipline and hope in a world yearning for peace.
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