Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, will officially begin on Thursday, February 19, following an announcement from the European Fatwa Council. Initially, it was anticipated that Ramadan would start today; however, the sighting of the new moon did not occur as predicted. This decision aligns with traditional Islamic practices which dictate that the month of Ramadan commences only after the new moon is observed.

The notification from the European Fatwa Council emphasizes the importance of moon sighting for determining the onset of Ramadan. According to the Stockholm Mosque, the moon was not visible after sunset on February 17, 2026, necessitating that the month of Shaʿbān be completed with 30 days. This leads to Ramadan starting on the 19th of February and concluding with Eid al-Fitr celebrations on March 20.

The announcement has implications for the Muslim community, as observance of Ramadan entails fasting from dawn until sunset and engaging in increased prayer and reflection. The confirmation of the dates for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr allows community members to prepare for these significant periods effectively, ensuring they align with both religious obligations and community practices.