Ramadan 2026 in France: CFCM Announces Dates and Zakat Amount

The CFCM, under the leadership of Mohammed Moussaoui and Ibrahim Alci, officially announced the calendar this Monday, February 2. According to the body’s statement, Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, while the celebration of Eid al-Fitr is set for Friday, March 20. This decision is based on scientific forecasts indicating that the new moon conjunction will occur on Tuesday, February 17, at 13:01. The Council specified that the conditions required for crescent visibility will only be met on February 18, thereby justifying the start of fasting the following day.

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This position confirms the CFCM’s support for institutions that favor astronomical calculations. The choice marks a divergence from the Muslim Theological Council of France (CTMF), which had initially selected February 18. The representative body emphasizes that its approach aims to provide worshippers with greater clarity, relying on rigorous technical and scientific criteria to determine the lunar cycle.

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Regarding religious obligations, the amount of Zakat al-Fitr has been set at 9 euros per family member, unchanged from 2025. The CFCM recalls that while this sum serves as the body’s reference, legitimate differences exist within the Muslim community, with the amount of this charitable contribution ranging from 7 to 12 euros. Each worshipper remains free to pay the amount recommended by their religious authority of reference.