The observance of Ramadan in 2026 is set to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after the moon was not sighted evening on Tuesday, February 17.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulraof Guialani of the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ (BDI) announced it at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC), in Cotabato City after receiving the results of the nationwide moon-sighting activities from the deployed teams in the Bangsamoro region, Iligan City, and Misamis Oriental, among others.

The moon-sighting activity will determine the start of Ramadan. According to Islamic tradition, the beginning of Ramadan is marked when the crescent moon is sighted during the moon sighting.

“With that premise and by the authority vested in me as Bangsamoro Mufti, I, Abdulrauf A. Guialani, hereby announce that the crescent moon was not sighted today [Feb. 17]. Therefore, Ramadhan Fasting 2026 will officially commence on Thursday, February 19, 2026 In Shaa Allah,” the Grand Mufti announced.

Muslim communities across the country are expected to observe a month-long fasting, prayer, and reflection aligned with Islamic teachings, principles, and practices.

In Islam, fasting is among the pillars of the religion that promotes discipline, strengthens spiritual connection with Allah, and helps in body detoxification for healthy living.

According to the Bangsamoro government, work schedules of officials and employees in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will be adjusted for the month-long observance of Ramadan.

Regular working hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be modified to 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. without a noon break, for Muslim officials and employees observing the holy month of Ramadan.

Flag-raising ceremonies on Mondays will also start at 7:15 a.m. while flag retreats every Friday will be held at 4:15 p.m.

Regular working hours will resume after Eid’l Fitr, the Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, at least 60 entrepreneurs will showcase their products and services after the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) formally opened the Bangsamoro Ramadhan Trade Fair 2026 at the BGC.