The Sirius Astronomy Society revealed that Thursday, February 19, will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Algeria, based on the astronomical sighting of the crescent.
Today, Sunday, the Sirius Astronomy Society issued a statement signed by Professor Gamal Maimouni, in which it presented a set of accurate astronomical data related to the birth of the crescent of the blessed month of Ramadan for the year 2026, and what can be scientifically concluded regarding the beginning of the month of fasting, based on internationally approved astronomical calculations and scientific standards for observing the crescents.
The birth of the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday, February 17, 2026
The association explained in its statement that the Ministry of Religious Affairs set the Night of Doubt, corresponding to Shaban 29, 1447 AH, as Tuesday, February 17, 2020. HoweverThe conjunction of the crescent of the month of Ramadan 1447 AH will occur on Tuesday, February 17, at 1:01 p.m. local time. .However, the age of the crescent at sunset that evening will not be sufficient to enable it to be seen with the naked eye from our region, according to all approved astronomical standards. The moon will remain above the horizon in Algiers for only approximately six minutes after sunset. We point out that coinciding with the conjunction, a central annular solar eclipse will also occur, but this phenomenon will not be visible from our region.
According to the same statement, although the moon will be above the horizon at sunset, the crescent will not have yet formed to the extent that allows it to be observed, and therefore it will be invisible even in the best monitoring conditions. Accordingly, from a purely astronomical standpoint, it is concluded that the month of Shaban will complete thirty days, so that Thursday, February 19, 2026 will be the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan, on the basis of direct visual sighting of the crescent. .
The extent of visibility in the world
The Sirius Association indicates that the impossibility of seeing the crescent on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, extends to the entire Arab world and the African continent, and even to the continents of North and South America, even using telescopes. .
As for the possibility of seeing it with the naked eye, it will only be achieved in areas located in the far west of the North American continent, which makes this vision – if it happens – irrelevant for our country from the locally approved jurisprudential standpoint. .
These results are also completely consistent with scientific data issued by international astronomical bodies and institutions specialized in calculating conjunction and the possibility of seeing the crescent moon, as confirmed by the calculations and observations of a number of international observatories and research centers, including the International Crescent Observing Commission. (ICOP) Reference in this field .
The Sirius Astronomy Society confirms that the only body authorized to issue a fatwa regarding the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan is the Crescents Committee affiliated with the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Four countries and astronomical bodies announced the date of the beginning of the month of Ramadan for the Hijri year 1447, amid a difference in determining the first day of the holy month between Wednesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 19, 2026. This happened in accordance with the astronomical standards approved by each body.
Türkiye and Singapore announced that Thursday, February 19, will be the first day of Ramadan, based on astronomical calculations that indicate that the crescent moon will not be seen on the evening of Tuesday, February 17.
The Sultanate of Oman also announced that Thursday, February 19, will be the beginning of the month of Ramadan. It has become among the first Arab countries to decide the date based on astronomical data.
On the other hand, Qatar said that the beginning of the month of Ramadan has been set for Wednesday, February 18, 2026. While emphasizing that the final decision to start the month remains the jurisdiction of the Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.
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