The Sacred Month of Ramadan 2026 Approaches
The sacred month of Ramadan 2026 is approaching, and as every year, announcements (sometimes divergent) about the start date are multiplying across the Muslim world. Long before the traditional observation of the lunar crescent, several countries have already set a probable date, relying on astronomical calculations and official decisions from their religious authorities.
Official Announcements Abroad
Some religious authorities and astronomical committees have confirmed that the Ramadan 1447 AH fast should begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This is particularly the case for the Sultanate of Oman, Turkey, and Singapore, which have officially declared this date as the first day of the sacred month, based on scientific data establishing the impossibility of observing the moon on Tuesday, February 17.
In the Gulf and other Muslim countries, astronomical monitoring committees have also indicated that the moon will not be visible to the naked eye on February 17, leaving room for the start of the month on February 19 in most cases.
Tunisia's Approach
In Tunisia, astronomical authorities are preparing for the traditional observation of the lunar crescent after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of Sha'ban 1447 AH. This observation will officially determine the first day of Ramadan in the country, in accordance with the Sunni religious tradition.
Available scientific calculations indicate that it will be difficult to see the crescent that evening, which would mean that the previous month (Sha'ban) could be completed to 30 days, making Thursday, February 19, 2026, the first day of Ramadan in Tunisia, subject to confirmation by the competent religious authority, namely the Diwan al-Ifta of the Tunisian Republic.
Algeria and France
In Algeria, the Sirius Astronomy Association, which publishes forecasts based on scientific data, has also indicated that the conditions for lunar observation will not be met on the evening of February 17 and that calculations point to a start of the fast on Thursday, February 19, 2026. However, the final decision will be made by the National Committee for the Observation of the Lunar Crescent, attached to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which traditionally organizes a Night of Doubt to confirm the date.
The Muslim community in France, with several million faithful, also follows the tradition of lunar observation. The French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) has indicated that Ramadan could begin on February 19, but the Great Mosque of Paris, a reference institution for many faithful, is waiting for the Night of Doubt set for Tuesday, February 17, to make an official announcement. This duality reflects the diversity of religious practices in the European country.
Calendars, Traditions, and Anticipation
Astronomically, the date of Thursday, February 19, 2026, appears as the most probable for the start of Ramadan in a large part of the Muslim world, including Tunisia, if the visual observation of the crescent cannot be validated the day before.
However, the religious tradition of the Night of Doubt, a vigil dedicated to the observation of the lunar crescent after sunset on the 29th day of the previous month, remains the decisive criterion for setting the official date in each country. This practice, still widely followed in the Islamic world, combines faith, science, and tradition.
Thus, Tunisian faithful are invited to remain attentive to the communiqués of local religious authorities. The sacred month of Ramadan, a symbol of unity, spirituality, and fasting, will be officially declared according to the result of this lunar observation, a strong moment for millions of Muslims around the world.
Read also: Saudi Arabia: The entry date of Ramadan is specified
