Monday 8 February 2027, the most likely first day
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so each month begins with the appearance of a new crescent after the conjunction. For Ramadan 1448, the astronomical new moon occurs around 6 February 2027, which leaves enough time for the crescent to become visible on the following evening.
On that basis, most calendars prepared in advance set the first day of fasting on Monday 8 February 2027. This is the date used for every timetable on this site, from Paris and Brussels to Algiers, Casablanca, Tunis, Dakar and Montreal.
New moon, crescent and first tarawih
An Islamic day begins at sunset, not at midnight. Once the month is confirmed on the evening of Sunday 7 February, worshippers gather in mosques for the first tarawih prayer that same night, and the first suhoor is eaten before dawn on Monday.
The conjunction itself is invisible: the moon is then between the earth and the sun. Only several hours later, once it has moved far enough from the sun, does the thin crescent appear low on the western horizon shortly after sunset.
The night of doubt and the sighting of the crescent
In many countries the decision is taken on the evening of the 29th day of Shaban, known in French as the nuit du doute. Religious authorities gather testimony from observers, consult astronomers and then announce whether the following day opens the month of Ramadan.
If the crescent is reported by reliable witnesses, fasting begins the next morning. If it is not seen, because of clouds or a moon still too close to the sun, the month of Shaban is completed to thirty days and Ramadan begins one day later.
Why some countries may start on Tuesday 9 February
Visibility depends on the age of the moon, its height above the horizon and local weather. A crescent visible from West Africa or the Americas may be impossible to see further east, so countries relying strictly on local sighting can begin a day after others.
For this reason, a start on Tuesday 9 February 2027 cannot be ruled out in some places. The daily imsak and iftar times remain correct; only the numbering of the days moves, and the end of the month shifts accordingly in those communities.
Who announces the start of Ramadan in each country
There is no single worldwide authority. Each country, and sometimes each community, follows its own institution. The announcement is usually broadcast on the evening of the night of doubt through television, radio, official websites and the networks of local mosques.
- France: the Grande Mosquée de Paris and the CFCM (Conseil français du culte musulman)
- Belgium: the Exécutif des Musulmans de Belgique
- Algeria: the ministère des Affaires religieuses et des Wakfs
- Morocco: the ministère des Habous et des Affaires islamiques
- Tunisia: the Mufti of the Republic
- Saudi Arabia: the Supreme Court
- Turkey: the Diyanet, which publishes its calendar in advance
In countries without a central body, mosques generally follow either the announcement of a reference institution or a calendar fixed beforehand. Readers elsewhere should therefore rely on their own mosque, which will confirm both the first tarawih and the first day of fasting.
Astronomical calculation versus visual observation
Two approaches coexist. Some institutions, such as the Diyanet in Turkey, set the beginning of each month by calculation, publishing a precise calendar months ahead. Others insist on an actual sighting of the crescent, either with the naked eye or with optical instruments.
Several bodies combine both methods: calculation is used to exclude impossible sightings, while observation confirms the month when it is possible. Modern astronomy predicts conjunctions with great precision, but the visibility of a very young crescent remains subject to weather and atmospheric conditions.
A month of 29 or 30 days
A lunar month never lasts exactly the same number of days as a solar one. Ramadan therefore counts either 29 or 30 days, depending on whether the new crescent of Shawwal is seen on the evening of the 29th day of fasting.
In 2027, the 29th day of Ramadan falls on Monday 8 March if the month begins on 8 February. Should the crescent remain hidden that evening, a 30th day of fasting is observed on Tuesday 9 March and the celebration is postponed by twenty-four hours.
Laylat al-Qadr and Eid al-Fitr 2027
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Destiny, is sought during the last ten nights of the month, and many communities mark it on the 27th night. In 2027 that night is expected on the evening of Friday 5 March, a moment of intense prayer.
Eid al-Fitr, which closes the month, is expected on Tuesday 9 March 2027, or on Wednesday 10 March if Ramadan lasts thirty days. The festival opens with the Eid prayer in the morning and the payment of zakat al-fitr beforehand.
| Event | Expected date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| New moon | Around 6 February 2027 | Astronomical conjunction |
| Night of doubt and first tarawih | Sunday 7 February 2027, evening | Confirmation of the month |
| First day of fasting | Monday 8 February 2027 | Possibly Tuesday 9 February |
| Laylat al-Qadr (27th night) | Friday 5 March 2027, evening | Depends on the start |
| 29th day of fasting | Monday 8 March 2027 | Shawwal crescent sought |
| Eid al-Fitr | Tuesday 9 March 2027 | Or Wednesday 10 March |
Preparation starts well before the first suhoor. Gradually moving meal times, reducing caffeine and sleeping a little earlier during the last week of Shaban all make the first days of fasting easier, especially for people who work early in the morning.
- Check the imsak and iftar times of your city in advance
- Follow the announcement of your national authority on Sunday evening
- Prepare simple, hydrating dishes for the first iftar
- Plan the first tarawih with family or neighbours
- Ask your mosque about zakat al-fitr arrangements
Will Ramadan 2027 start on 8 or 9 February?
Calculation strongly favours Monday 8 February 2027, and most institutions are expected to follow that date. A start on Tuesday 9 February remains possible where only a local naked-eye sighting is accepted and the crescent cannot be observed on Sunday evening.
When is the first tarawih prayer of 2027?
The first tarawih is prayed on the night that precedes the first day of fasting. With a start on Monday 8 February, it takes place after isha on Sunday 7 February; with a Tuesday start, it moves to the evening of Monday 8 February.
Can neighbouring countries begin on different days?
Yes. Because each country follows its own authority and method, France, Belgium, Algeria, Morocco or Turkey may occasionally announce different dates. Such gaps rarely exceed one day and do not change the daily fasting schedule calculated for each city.
When exactly will Eid al-Fitr 2027 be celebrated?
Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on Tuesday 9 March after a 29-day month, or on Wednesday 10 March after a 30-day month. The final decision is announced on the evening of the 29th day, following the same procedure as for the start.