Ramadan 2026 in France: Start Date, Moon Sighting and Muslim Divide

The date of the first day of fasting is sparking an unusual debate within the Muslim community this year. According to forecasts by the International Astronomical Center (IAC), the new lunar crescent will be virtually invisible on Tuesday, February 17, from most parts of the globe. Consequently, leading institutions such as the Grand Mosque of Paris, the Grand Mosque of Lyon and the French Council of Muslim Faith (CFCM) are unanimously leaning toward Thursday, February 19, as the start of the holy month.

Date of Ramadan 2026 in France: The reasons behind an unprecedented divergence

Faced with this broad consensus, the French Muslim Theological Council (CTMF) stands apart by setting the start of fasting for Wednesday, February 18. As Saphirnews explains, this unusual position is based on the “principle of the universality of fasting.” The CTMF justifies its choice by noting that the conditions for observing the moon will indeed be met in French Polynesia before dawn on February 18.

On Bladi.net : Ramadan 2026: France divided in two

Although this situation is creating a rare divide between institutions that nevertheless use similar calculation methods, religious leaders are calling for calm. Theologian Mohamed Najah points out that each position, whether favoring Wednesday or Thursday, is based on legitimate theological reasoning. It will therefore be up to worshippers to decide according to the perspective or institution they prefer to follow.