Muslims and Christians across the world are observing their major fasting seasons at the same time, as Ramadan and Lent begin together for the first time in 33 years.
The last such overlap occurred in 1993, making this year’s convergence significant for both faiths.
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar. Since the lunar year is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan shifts earlier each year. Therefore, a full cycle aligns roughly once every 33 years.
Muslims in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and some other parts of the world started their first day of fasting at dawn on Wednesday, ushering in a month dedicated to prayer, reflection, and devotion.
Crescent moon signals start of Ramadan
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447.
A post by @Muslim on X read, “BREAKING: Saudi Arabia announces the first day of fasting for Ramadan to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Taraweeh will begin tonight on the first evening of the blessed month. It’s recommended to follow the fasting time designated by your local community and country.”
Similarly, for Nigerian Muslims, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Tuesday evening, declared Wednesday 18th of February 2026, the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
He said the crescent moon was sighted in almost every part of the country earlier on Tuesday, which is the 29th day of the Month of Shaban, and thereby signified Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan 1447.
The Sultan, according to a press statement made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Tuesday and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof Sambo Wali Junaid, called on the entire Muslim communities in the country to start fasting on Wednesday in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
He said the council got information on the moon sighting from many Islamic leaders across the country, which he said signified the start of Ramadan fast on Wednesday.
He called on the Muslims across the country to use the month of Ramadan to continue to pray for the leaders of the country and also to curb the insecurity situations in the country.
Different countries, different dates
However, Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, February 19, in Japan.
Oman, Singapore, and Turkey have also officially announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the first day of Ramadan 2026.
Popes call for reflection as Lent begins
Meanwhile, Lent in the Christian tradition begins on Ash Wednesday. This year, Ash Wednesday falls on February 18. Christians will observe 40 days of fasting and prayer until Easter.
Unlike Ramadan, Lent follows the Gregorian solar calendar. Therefore, both fasting periods rarely begin together.
The Catholic pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, has, however, urged Christians across the world to abstain from words that offend and hurt others as the Lenten season begins.
In his 2026 Lenten Message released ahead of Ash Wednesday, and sighted on the Vatican website, the Pontiff described refraining from hurtful language as a “very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence.”
He said, “I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour.”
As Christians mark the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, Pope Leo XIV said the liturgical season offers an opportunity to place the mystery of God at the centre of life.
He explained that every journey of conversion begins by allowing God’s word to touch the heart, leading to renewed commitment to follow Christ in His passion, death and resurrection.
The Pope stressed the importance of listening, both to God and to others, noting that authentic relationships grow from attentiveness.
“In the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society, Sacred Scripture helps us to recognise and respond to the cry of those who are anguished and suffering,” he said.
He added that Christians should cultivate inner openness, especially towards the poor, whose struggles challenge individuals, economic systems and even the church.
Highlighting the spiritual value of fasting, the Pontiff said it helps believers rediscover their deep desire for justice and frees them from complacency.
“Precisely because it involves the body, fasting makes it easier to recognise what we ‘hunger’ for and what we deem necessary for our sustenance,” he said.
During these sacred periods, followers of both religions engage in prayer, fasting and charity. Religious leaders say this rare overlap offers an opportunity to promote mutual respect, peace and harmony.
As Muslims and Christians fast side by side, could this rare moment inspire deeper unity across faiths? Share your thoughts in the comment.
