Alhamdulillah, Ramadan has begun. Tonight (19th Feb) is the 1st night of Ramadan for Muslims in Europe and the Americas. Here are four Sunnahs to act upon tonight, and a reminder that Ramadan starts from Maghrib — not tomorrow morning.
Alhamdulillah — Ramadan Has Begun
Ramadan Mubarak, everyone. May Allah accept from us and from you.
Tonight — Thursday 19th February 2026 — marks the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan 1447 AH for Muslims across Europe and the Americas. The crescent moon has been sighted, and the blessed month has arrived.
An Important Reminder: Ramadan Starts at Maghrib
Reminder: Alhamdulillah, Ramadan has just started now (from Maghrib) — not from tomorrow morning. Tonight is the 1st night of Ramadan.
In Islam, a new day begins at Maghrib (sunset), not at midnight or at Fajr. So when we say "tonight is the 1st night of Ramadan," this means:
- The fasting begins tomorrow at Fajr (dawn), Friday 20th February
- But the blessings and rewards of Ramadan begin tonight, right now
- Taraweeh prayers tonight are the first Taraweeh of Ramadan
- Your intention for tomorrow's fast should be made tonight
Do not miss these blessed first moments of Ramadan by thinking it only starts tomorrow morning.
Why Europe Observes the 19th as the 1st of Ramadan
Muslims around the world use different methods to determine the start of Ramadan. There are two main approaches:
1. Astronomical Calculation (Umm al-Qura / Saudi Method) Saudi Arabia and some other countries rely on astronomical calculations, which placed the 1st of Ramadan on Wednesday 18th February.
2. Actual Moon Sighting Many scholars in Europe, the Americas, and parts of the Muslim world follow the traditional Sunnah of physically sighting the crescent moon. The crescent was confirmed sighted on the evening of Wednesday 18th February, making tonight — Thursday 19th February — the 1st night of Ramadan for those following this method.
Both positions are valid and held by respected scholars. We respect all differences within our community and wish everyone a blessed Ramadan regardless of which day they began.
4 Sunnahs for Tonight — The 1st Night of Ramadan
With the blessed month now upon us, here are four Sunnahs to act upon tonight:
1. Formulate the Intention to Fast
Reminder: The Prophet (SAW) said: "Whoever does not intend to fast from the night before, his fast is not valid."
Before you sleep tonight, make the firm intention in your heart that you are fasting tomorrow for the sake of Allah. The intention (niyyah) does not need to be spoken aloud — it is an act of the heart — but it must be made before Fajr.
2. Supplication Upon Seeing the Crescent Moon
Reminder: Whenever the Prophet (SAW) saw the crescent moon, he would say: "O Allah, let it come upon us with security, faith, safety, Islam, and success in what You love and are pleased with. Our Lord and your Lord is Allah."
If you have not yet recited this supplication, do so tonight. Step outside, look toward the sky, and call upon Allah as the Prophet (SAW) taught us.
3. Pray at Night — Taraweeh
Reminder: The Prophet (SAW) said: "Whoever prays during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven."
Tonight is the first night of Taraweeh. Whether you pray at the masjid or at home, do not let this night pass without standing before Allah in prayer. Even two rakats with sincere intention carries immense reward.
4. Eat Suhoor Before Fajr Tomorrow
Reminder: The Prophet (SAW) said: "Suhoor is a blessed meal, so do not neglect it, even if one of you takes a sip of water, for Allah and His angels send blessings upon those who eat Suhoor."
He (SAW) also said: "Eat Suhoor, for there is a blessing in Suhoor."
And: "The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating Suhoor."
Set your alarm. Wake up, eat — even something small — and make your intention before Fajr. This simple act distinguishes our fast and carries the blessings of the Prophet's Sunnah.
May This Ramadan Be Your Best Yet
Ramadan Mubarak to you and your family. May this month be filled with mercy, forgiveness, accepted du'as, and spiritual growth. May Allah make us from those who witness Laylatul Qadr, and may He accept our fasts, prayers, and deeds.
Ameen.
Browse our Ramadan Collection to prepare for the blessed month ahead.
