HIBAPRESS
The French Council of the Muslim Faith, which is the official body representing Muslims in France, reiterated on Tuesday that Thursday, February 19, 2026, is the first day of the month of Ramadan, due to the impossibility of sighting the crescent before the evening of February 18th.
The Council had already decided early (at the beginning of February) on the start date of fasting based on astronomical scientific data, before being surprised by a conflicting announcement issued by the Great Mosque of Paris, which is managed by Algeria, announcing that Wednesday is the first day of the holy month, which confused Muslims in France. Later, the Council issued a statement reinforcing its position, stating that "the conditions for seeing the new moon will not be met until February 18, 2026," explicitly confirming that Thursday, February 19, 2026, is the first day of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH. The Council also emphasized in the statement issued from Paris on February 17, 2026, that "while respecting the decisions taken by some Islamic countries, these decisions should not involve Muslims in France," in a clear reference to the rejection of linking the fasting of Muslims in the European country to Saudi Arabia.
