The Ramzan crescent moon was not sighted in New Zealand, officially delaying the start of the holy month there until February 20, according to the Hilal Committee of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ). The confirmation was further supported by Maunatul Islam Trust of New Zealand and the Fiji Muslim League, after cloudy skies hampered visibility efforts across multiple locations. Despite several attempts by observers, no verified sighting was recorded, making it clear that fasting will not begin in the country this week.

Meanwhile, all eyes in India remain fixed on the evening sky as authorities and religious committees prepare to determine whether Ramzan will commence tomorrow or be postponed by another day. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Sadar Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Deccan is scheduled to meet in Hyderabad this evening to review reports from across the country. If the crescent is sighted at dusk, the holy month will begin immediately; if not, Ramzan will officially start on Friday, following the completion of the lunar cycle.

While South Asia waits, much of the Middle East has already begun observing Ramzan after confirmed moon sightings. In Saudi Arabia, the crescent was sighted on Tuesday evening, marking the official start of fasting, with United Arab Emirates and several neighboring nations following suit today. The differing start dates once again highlight how geographical location and atmospheric conditions play a decisive role in Islamic lunar observance — often creating staggered beginnings of the sacred month across the world.