And why did the (Council of Imams) adopt Wednesday — and not Thursday — as the first day of fasting?

Some of our fellow imams—rightfully—asked about the reason behind the difference regarding the beginning of Ramadan this year. And if astronomical calculations themselves differ, then what is the benefit of relying on them? And how does this differ from discrepancies that arise through visual moon sighting?

This is a brief clarification on the matter:

First: When will Ramadan begin this year?

According to astronomical calculations, there are two views regarding the start of Ramadan:

  1. Wednesday, February 18
  2. Thursday, February 19

Second: The cause of the difference

The difference arises because on February 17, there will be a rare and sensitive astronomical event (a lunar eclipse), which may make the crescent difficult to sight with the naked eye in most locations.

Second (again): Description of the phenomenon

Experts explain it as follows:

  1. The crescent will not be easily visible to the naked eye except in limited locations.
  2. This does not mean the crescent does not exist; it only means that sighting it may be difficult—just as clouds may sometimes obscure the moon even when it is present.
  3. Any theoretical possibility of sighting will be confined to the far western edge of the globe, such as parts of Polynesia or the Fiji region, where strong twilight conditions at sunset make sighting practically impossible.
  4. On February 17, the crescent will be born in the morning and will remain above the horizon after sunset in the western parts of the Americas—including California and parts of South America.
  5. All required astronomical conditions will be fulfilled, meaning the crescent does exist scientifically and may be sighted somewhere on Earth.

Third: The opinion adopted by the (Council of Imams)

Since this rare lunar-eclipse event makes sighting the crescent difficult—but not impossible—the Council of Imams adopted the same position as the Fiqh Council of North America, considering Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan.

Below are some points from their statement:

  1. The Fiqh Council’s decision is fully consistent with Islamic law and is based on well-established criteria that have been used and trusted for many years.
  2. Since we have confirmed knowledge that the crescent will be born and remain above the horizon in the Western Hemisphere, the Council concluded that it is appropriate to begin Tarawih on the evening of February 17 and fasting on February 18. From this perspective, it is better to begin Ramadan on time than to risk missing a day of fasting.
  3. We also understand why scholars and institutions in Europe and other regions prefer beginning on February 19, as the crescent will not be visible in their part of the world. Their hesitation is understandable. However, our situation in the West is different.
  4. Beginning on Wednesday is more precautionary—especially since the matter concerns a pillar of Islam.

Fourth: Important advice to imams, institutions, and the community

As the (Council of Imams), we strive to unite the Muslims as much as possible and hope that our community presents an exemplary image among other communities in the United States. Therefore, we urge imams, Islamic institutions, and community members to:

  1. Cooperate within each state—or at least within each city—especially neighboring mosques, to unify their decision, as unity is foundational. Allah says:
    “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Āl ʿImrān 103)
  2. If disagreement occurs and unity is not possible, then we call upon everyone to uphold the etiquette of disagreement and preserve brotherhood. Allah says:
    “The believers are but brothers.” (Al-Ḥujurāt 10)
    And He says: “Merciful among themselves.” (Al-Fatḥ 29)

Council of Imams of the Three States
27 Sha‘bān 1447 AH
February 15, 2026