French Muslim Organizations Divided on Start Date for Ramadan 2025

Saturday 1st or Sunday 2nd March? Muslims in France are waiting to be informed of the start date of the month of Ramadan. For the Muslim Theological Council of France (CTMF), the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM), the Turkish federations, the organization Muslims of France (MF) and the Muslim Federation of Gironde, the sacred month will begin on Saturday 1st March.

However, other bodies such as the Great Mosque of Paris and the Council of Mosques of the Rhône (CMR) prefer to wait for the Night of Doubt, scheduled for Friday, February 28, to pronounce themselves.

According to the forecast map of the International Astronomical Center (IAC), the lunar crescent should be visible on Friday, February 28 in the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and part of Asia. Visibility can be observed with the naked eye, if weather conditions permit, or with telescopes.

Thus, the month of Ramadan should start on Saturday, March 1st in France. It could begin on Sunday, March 2nd in the countries of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia.