Full Analysis Summary
Ramadan 2026 start dates
Ramadan 2026 is widely expected to begin on Thursday, Feb. 19 in many countries, but a confirmed local moon sighting could move the start to Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Reporting indicates that India is expected to begin on Feb. 19 pending local crescent sightings.
Several national and regional authorities have forecast Feb. 19 while others favour Feb. 18 based on calculation methods or potential early sightings.
Coverage Differences
Narrative Framing
Bombay Times (Other) frames the start primarily as an India-focused expectation: 'Ramadan 2026 in India is expected to begin on February 19, pending sighting of the new crescent moon; it could start on February 18 or 19 depending on local sightings.' Al Jazeera (West Asian) places that India forecast within a broader international split and highlights that 'Several Muslim authorities differ on whether Ramadan 2026 will begin Feb. 18 or Feb. 19, but most countries are expected to start on Feb. 19.' The Al Jazeera account also lists specific bodies (FCNA, ISNA, ECFR) and countries that favour one date or the other, showing more emphasis on institutional differences than the Bombay Times piece does.
Moon-sighting methods split
The split centers on method: calculation-based authorities and committees versus those that require physical local sighting reports.
Bodies that use astronomical calculations — notably the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) — are reported to mark Feb. 18 as the start because of their visibility rule.
In contrast, the ECFR and many national councils and countries (including India, Pakistan, Turkey, Singapore and Australia) have forecast Feb. 19, often citing that the astronomical new moon will be impossible to see on the earlier evening.
Coverage Differences
Contradiction
Al Jazeera (West Asian) explicitly reports that calculation-based bodies FCNA and ISNA 'say Ramadan will begin on Feb. 18, 2026' and explains their visibility rule. Bombay Times (Other) does not report on calculation rules or name FCNA/ISNA; it instead focuses on local sighting committees in Indian cities and coordination with Saudi reports. This is a substantive content difference: Al Jazeera lists the calculation-based rationale for Feb. 18, while Bombay Times emphasizes local sighting procedures without the same institutional breakdown.
Start date and sightings
Some Middle Eastern authorities, notably Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, will wait for local sighting reports on the evening before the expected start; a confirmed sighting there could shift the date to Feb. 18, but Al Jazeera characterises that outcome as unlikely.
Regional authorities such as Dubai’s Islamic Affairs department and several countries have independently indicated Feb. 19 as the likely start based on calculations or forecasts, reinforcing the expectation of the later date in many jurisdictions.
Coverage Differences
Tone
Al Jazeera (West Asian) explicitly reports that a Saudi sighting could make Feb. 18 the first day but notes this is 'considered unlikely,' highlighting the low probability. Bombay Times (Other) reports that local committees often coordinate with reports from Saudi Arabia and that Dubai’s Islamic Affairs 'have also indicated February 19 as the likely first day based on calculations,' which frames the likelihood of Feb. 19 more directly and without emphasising the low probability of an earlier sighting.
Ramadan meaning and effects
Ramadan commemorates the Quran’s initial revelation and requires fasting from pre-dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib).
During daylight hours, participants abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex.
Governments and businesses in many Muslim-majority areas commonly reduce working hours and alter food-service schedules.
The month will conclude with Eid al-Fitr in March, as reported in India-focused coverage.
Coverage Differences
Unique Coverage
Al Jazeera (West Asian) provides a concise recap of Ramadan’s religious significance and common practices — noting abstentions and the goal of cultivating taqwa — while Bombay Times (Other) focuses more narrowly on timing in India and the month ending with Eid al-Fitr. This reflects Al Jazeera’s broader explanatory context versus Bombay Times’ practical, India-centered schedule focus.
Crescent sighting date split
The two provided sources show a clear procedural split over the date.
Calculation-based authorities lean to Feb. 18.
Many national councils and sighting-based authorities lean to Feb. 19.
Both sources underscore routine uncertainty because the Islamic calendar depends on crescent sightings.
Only two source articles were provided for this summary: Bombay Times — Other and Al Jazeera — West Asian, so the range of source-type perspectives is limited to those two entries and their internal reporting.
The sources report different institutional stances rather than presenting new independent evidence.
Coverage Differences
Missed Information
Because only Bombay Times (Other) and Al Jazeera (West Asian) were provided, perspectives from Western Mainstream or Western Alternative outlets are not available in the materials and therefore could not be compared. The summary therefore highlights the procedural and institutional differences that the two available sources do report rather than a wider media landscape comparison.