Ramadan will begin in The Gambia on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, after the country’s Islamic authorities confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon.

The Supreme Islamic Council said the new moon was observed in Brikama, in the West Coast Region, paving the way for Muslims across the country to start fasting from dawn on Wednesday.

The Council also noted that sightings were reported in other parts of the Muslim world, including Ivory Coast and Chad, as well as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims through fasting, prayers, acts of charity and spiritual reflection.

The month is widely regarded as one of the holiest periods in Islam and is a time when many Muslims focus on strengthening faith and community bonds.

The announcement means Gambian Muslims will begin the first day of fasting on Wednesday.

By Adama Makasuba