The Fiqh Council of North America recognizes astronomical calculation as an acceptable Shar’i method for determining the beginning of Lunar months, including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. FCNA has historically used the criteria of the European Council of Fatwa and Research (ECFR), which are that somewhere on the globe, at sunset, the elongation should be at least 8 degrees and the moon should be at least 5 degrees above the horizon. If these conditions are met, then it is certain that the moon is above the horizon and will be visible somewhere on the globe. Hence the new lunar month will start the next day, otherwise it will start on the day following the next.
Ramadan 1447 AH: The Astronomical New Moon will be born before sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. So, the first day of Ramadan is Wednesday, February 18, 2026, inshā’Allāh. Tarāwīḥ prayer will start on Tuesday night.
ʿEid al-Fitr 1447 AH: The Astronomical New Moon will be born on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026. On that evening the elongation is more than 8 degrees and the moon is more than 5 degrees above the horizon. Hence the first day of Shawwal (ʿEid al-Fitr) is Friday, March 20, 2026, inshā’Allāh.
For ʿEid al-Adha, the Fiqh Council of North America, as usual, will determine the date based on the announcement by the Hajj authorities in Makkah regarding the day of ʿArafah. ʿEid al-Adha will be observed on the day following the day of ʿArafah.
We pray Allah blesses the Ummah with peace and prosperity!
Fiqh Council of North America
Explanatory note:
Based on the ECFR criteria mentioned, declaring Wednesday, February 18 as the first day of Ramadan is fully consistent with our methodology. On the evening of Tuesday, February 17, all three foundational elements of our adopted criteria are satisfied:
1. The moon is born before sunset on February 17.
2. Moonset occurs after sunset in Makkah and throughout the western hemisphere, including California.
3. The geometric visibility thresholds are met westward: lunar elongation reaches or exceeds 8 degrees, and lunar altitude reaches or exceeds 5 degrees above the horizon.
(We express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Ossama Bahloul for generously dedicating several days of his time to assist with the astronomical calculations and technical specifications, and for facilitating expert input through his professional contacts).
However, this year presents a rare and borderline astronomical case. Although the numerical 8°/5° thresholds are technically met, the age of the moon is extremely small, and the illumination fraction is negligible or marginal. As a result, the moon’s ability to reflect sunlight sufficiently for naked-eye or even optical sighting is extremely limited. Any theoretical visibility would be confined to the far western edge of the globe—such as parts of Polynesia or the Fiji region—where intense twilight conditions at sunset further reduce the practical possibility of sighting.
This explains the hesitation expressed by Diyanet (Turkey) and, following it, the European Council of Fatwa and Research, which concluded that despite meeting the geometric thresholds, the moon is not practically sightable anywhere on Earth on February 17. Consequently, much of the world may begin Ramadan on the evening of Wednesday, February 18 (and fasting on Thursday, February 19), when the moon will be older, brighter, and easily visible across wide regions.
At this point, the decision rests with us. Declaring the start of Ramadan on the evening of February 17 is defensible, fully compliant with our long-standing criteria, and consistent with our previous announcements. It also ensures the completion of 30 days of fasting without risk of omission. However, it carries the possibility that we may be among the very few—or even the only—communities beginning Ramadan that night, potentially placing us at variance with the ECFR, whose criteria we have historically followed. Despite this possibility, we have decided to stick with the long-standing method and have established the dates of Ramadan and ʿEid al-Fitr based on the original ECFR criteria. May Allah (swt) keep us on the right path and accept our fasting and prayers. Ameen.
There remains the possibility that Saudi Arabia may also declare Ramadan to begin on the evening of February 17 (making February 18 the first day of fasting), as the Umm al-Qura calendar is compatible with this outcome. This could mitigate concerns of isolation, but cannot be stated with certainty. Sighting is not possible on February 17.
In summary, the matter is ultimately one of a judgment call rather than a technical one. Both positions are grounded in valid astronomical data and Sharʿī reasoning. Once a decision is reached, it can—and should—be defended with clear, transparent explanations supported by sound astronomy and established Sharʿī principles.
While the Fiqh Council itself strongly encourages calculations for Ramadan, as it is the best option to bring about unity and avoid confusion and chaos, we also accept the validity of other opinions, and encourage all Muslims to follow their local masjids and keep each community as united as possible. Disagreements on the technicalities of moonsighting should not result in disunity of our hearts.
May Allah guide us to what is most pleasing to Him, accept our fasting and worship, and unite the Ummah upon truth and mercy.