The reason Ramadan moonsighting in North America often becomes controversial is not because of religion itself, but because of different interpretations, geography, and community structures. Here are the main reasons clearly explained:
1: Different Methods: Moon Sighting vs. Calculation
There are two primary approaches:
• A) Physical Moon Sighting (Ru’yah)
Followed by scholars who rely on the hadith of the Prophet (SAW): “Fast when you see it and break your fast when you see it.”
These communities wait for verified local sighting reports.
• B) Astronomical Calculation
Some organizations use scientific calculations to determine when the moon is born (conjunction), even if it cannot yet be seen.
This difference alone can cause Ramadan to start on different days.
2: Local vs. Global Sighting
Another major issue:
• Some follow local North American sighting.
• Some follow sightings from Saudi Arabia.
• Some follow global sighting (anywhere in the world).
For example, if Saudi Arabia announces Ramadan, many communities follow it, while others insist on North American
visibility.
Organizations involved often include:
• Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
• Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA)
• Hilal Committee of Canada
Each may adopt slightly different criteria.
3: Geography of North America
North America is very large.
The moon might:
• Be visible in California
• Not visible in Toronto
• Visible in Texas but not in Vancouver
Weather also plays a role — clouds can block sighting.
4: Lack of Central Religious Authority
Unlike some Muslim countries, North America does not have a single recognized national Islamic authority. In countries like:
• Saudi Arabia, •Pakistan,• Morocco
Governments or central religious councils make official announcements.
In North America, masajid and scholars operate independently.
5: Cultural & Maslak Differences
Different schools of thought (Hanafi, Shafi’i, Salafi, etc.) sometimes prefer different evidences and methodologies.
Some prioritize unity with the global Ummah.
Others prioritize strict local fiqh principles.
6: Social Media & Instant Announcements
In earlier decades, communities waited calmly for official
announcements.
Now:
• WhatsApp messages spread quickly
•Overseas announcements circulate instantly
• Confusion spreads before local committees confirm
Is This a New Problem?
No. Historically, moonsighting differences existed even in classical Islamic lands. Scholars accepted ikhtilaf (difference of opinion) in this matter.
Source: Miracle’s AI
Ramadan 1447 AH Announcement
The crescent moon to commence the month of Ramadan 1447 AH was looked for after the sunset of Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Reports from all sub Committees of CHC, both local and regional, unanimously confirmed that the moon was NOT SIGHTED.
Thus, the Central Hilal Committee of North America has
declared that the month of Sha’ban 1447 AH will complete its 30 days.
Thus, Thursday, February 19, 2026 will be the 1st day of Ramadan 1447 AH.
JazakAllah Khair,
Central Hilal Committee of North America (CHC)
www.HilalCommittee.org
at BCMA Facebook posts shows Feb 17 , 2026
Yusuf Sonko:
is with Ousman Journalist Dibbasey and 19 others.
JUST IN: The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (West Africa has officially declared that Ramadan will begin tomorrow, Wednesday the 18th, following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon in Brikama.
