The Moon-Sighting Committee of the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America has officially announced that Thursday, February 19th, 2026, will mark the first day of Ramadan for the entire region. This decision comes after the committee verified that there were no sightings of the crescent moon by the naked eye at sunset on February 17th, 2026, across North America.
For communities that began the month of Shaban on February 20th, the last day of Shaban will fall on February 18th. For those who started on February 21st, February 18th will be the 29th day of Shaban. The committee is confident that the crescent will be visible on the evening of February 18th, confirming Ramadan’s start on the 19th across all regions.
The announcement includes significant Islamic occasions taking place during Ramadan, including the allegiance of Imam Ali al-Rida, the death of Lady Khadijah, and the historic Battle of Badr. These events will be observed throughout the month, fostering reflection and spiritual growth among the community.
In their message, the committee extends well wishes for a blessed Ramadan, encouraging believers to perform good deeds and seek the return of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him). The committee, established during the seventh annual conference of the Council in 2007, has been a vital resource for North American Shia Muslims in determining the beginning of the lunar months.
This announcement serves not only as a guide for the upcoming month but also as a reminder of the unity and shared practices within the community as they prepare for a spiritually enriching Ramadan.