Ramadan 2026 in France: CFCM and Paris Mosque Clash Over Start Date

The controversy has intensified since the Grand Mosque of Paris set the start of fasting for February 18, breaking off consultations that began as early as January. The CFCM said it was “surprised” by this decision, seeing it as evidence of a predominant influence from Saudi Arabia at the expense of an autonomous and transparent organization of Muslim worship in France.

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The body reaffirmed its commitment to scientific calculation so as no longer to remain “dependent on the sometimes random decisions of different countries.” According to these data, the moon was not observable before the morning of February 18. Starting the fast on February 18 therefore means beginning even before the celestial body actually reappeared in the sky.

This disagreement has revived the historical tensions of 2013, perceived by the CFCM as a “trauma.” The organization stressed the importance of planning ahead for Muslims living in a secular country, where scheduling religious holidays is essential to harmonize calmly with professional obligations and the social environment.

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Despite the rift, the CFCM recalled that it remains the body elected by more than 1 200 mosques in France. While calling for the situation to be “put into perspective,” it regretted that this lack of consultation weakens national cohesion. The unity and general interest of the faithful must remain the sole priority in the face of foreign interference.