Moon Sighting Update: ASJA Confirms First Day of Fasting For Ramadan Begins On Thursday

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The Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association (ASJA) has announced that the holy month of Ramadan 1447AH will officially begin at sunset on Wednesday (18th February, 2026), with the first day of fasting to be observed on Thursday (19th February, 2026).

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago previously declared a public holiday on Friday 20th March, 2026 in celebration of the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In a Hilaal (moon sighting) update issued to the Muslim community on Monday afternoon (16th February, 2026), Imam Yacoob Rafeeq Mohamed, Chairman of the Hilaal Committee and Public Relations Officer for ASJA and the Imams’ Council, confirmed that the birth of the new moon occured at 8:00 AM today (Tuesday 17th February, 2026), which corresponds with the 29th day of Sha’baan.

At sunset today (Tuesday 17th February, 2026), the moon will only be approximately 10 hours and 17 minutes old, making it impossible to be sighted anywhere in the world. However, by sunset on Wednesday (18th February, 2026) — the 30th day of Sha’baan — the new moon is expected to be more than 34 hours old and visible from India, Westward, allowing for the official commencement of Ramadan.

As a result, the first Taraweeh prayers will be held on Wednesday night following Isha Salaat, which begins at 7:26 PM. The first fast will then begin at dawn on Thursday (19th February, 2026), with Fajr Salaat scheduled for 5:14 AM.

See the full announcement by Imam Yacoob Rafeeq Mohamed below:

HILAAL (MOON SIGHTING) UPDATE

THE MONTH OF RAMADAN 1447AH

Respected Imams, Brothers and Sisters,

The birth of the new moon will take place tomorrow morning at 8:00am (Tuesday, 17th February 2026) the 29th day of Sha'baan. On Wednesday (18th February 2026) the 30th day of Sha'baan, the new moon will be 34hrs-18mins old at sunset (In sha Allah).

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

  • At sunset tomorrow (Tuesday, 17th February) the moon will be 10hr-17mins old, as such it cannot be seen anywhere in the world.
  • At sunset on Wednesday (18th February) the new moon will be visible from India, Westward, everywhere in the world.

Accordingly, the blessed month of Ramadan (9th month of the Islamic year 1447AH) will commence at sunset on Wednesday 18th February 2026 since the month of Sha'baan would have completed its thirtieth day on the said day. As such, the first day of Ramadan will be on Thursday 19th February 2026, in the English Calendar (In sha Allah).

As a consequence, the following will apply:

  • The first Taraweeh Salaat will commence on Wednesday night together with Isha Soloat. (Isha salaat begins at 7:26pm).
  • The first day of fasting will commence on Thursday 19th February. (Fajr salaat begins at 5:14am).

Please note that all queries, questions or concerns pertaining to the sighting of the new moon can be directed to the undermentioned.

Imam Raffaic Mohamed

Imam, Macoon Street ASJA Masjid

Public Relations Officer - ASJA & Imams' Council Chairman, Hilaal Committee - ASJA

Mobile: 356-7019

Email: imamraffaic@hotmail.com


Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar and is regarded by Muslims worldwide as a sacred period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. From dawn until sunset, observers abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of spiritual discipline and devotion. The month commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and emphasizes charity, self-restraint, and increased worship. Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, marking the end of fasting and the beginning of communal festivities.

More on this as it becomes available.

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