Statement by the AlOjeiri Scientific Center regarding the astronomical status of the crescent moon of the blessed month of Ramadan
Download ArticleThe AlOjeiri Scientific Center stated that approved astronomical calculations indicate that the conjunction of the crescent of the blessed month of Ramadan will occur before sunset on the evening of Tuesday, 17 February, and that the Moon will set after sunset on the horizon of the State of Kuwait.
The Center explained that, according to the map prepared by the AlOjeiriScientific Center—which shows the Moon’s lag time (its duration above the horizon after sunset) across all countries of the world—the lower part of the Moon’s disk in Kuwait will set simultaneously with sunset at 5:38 p.m., while the complete disappearance of the Moon’s disk will occur at 5:39 p.m., with an elongation estimated at about one degree.
It added that astronomical monitoring indicates that on the horizon of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the Moon will fully set about three minutes after sunset, while the Moon’s lag time will be limited in the rest of the Arab and Islamic countries.
The Center clarified that the occurrence of the crescent’s birth before sunset and the setting of the Moon after sunset constitute fulfillment of the calendrical calculation criteria for the start of the new Hijri month according to its standards. However, the determination of the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan remains the responsibility of the Sharia sighting authority and the official bodies.
The Center noted that it will participate in observing the Ramadan crescent in response to a gracious invitation from the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17 February 2026.
Note: Attached is a map showing the crescent’s condition in Kuwait and around the world, in Greenwich Mean Time.