Khaberni - The Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr. Nazeer Ayad announced that the Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta surveyed the crescent moon of the month of Ramadan after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, through the legal and scientific committees.
The Mufti noted that the legal committees confirmed that the sighting of the crescent moon for the year 1447 AH was not possible.
Accordingly, the Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta declared that Thursday, February 19, 2026, will be the first day of the month of Ramadan.
On this occasion, the Mufti extended his sincere congratulations to the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, as well as to the Egyptian people, and all heads of Arab and Islamic states and their kings, princes, and Muslims everywhere.
Monitoring the sighting of the crescent moon in Egypt is a deep-rooted religious and scientific tradition that renews its features at the end of every lunar month, especially nearing the month of Ramadan or the Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.
This event combines the rulings of Islamic law with modern astronomical knowledge, reflecting a balance between heritage and science.
The Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta holds the legal responsibility for declaring the sighting of the crescent moon, relying on direct visual observation in compliance with the prophetic tradition, alongside precise astronomical calculations without replacing the sighting.
In this context, legal and scientific committees are sent to various regions known for their clear horizons, such as Matrouh, New Valley, and Sinai.
The National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research plays an important scientific role, providing precise astronomical data on the timing of the crescent moon's birth, its duration after sunset, and its visibility from a scientific standpoint. These calculations aid in guiding the observation committees and determining the optimal timings and locations.
