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

By —

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.

NEW! Follow our WhatsApp Channel or Facebook Messenger Channel to receive alerts as soon as we publish our articles, including breaking news.

Comments

Post a Comment

Trending Right Now On Youthere1 News

25-Year-Old Woman Charged With Murder of Chaguanas Businessman Gregory Reece

By —
A woman has been charged with the murder of   Chaguanas businessman Gregory Reece , who was stabbed to death at her apartment in Woodford Gardens on Sunday 28th June, 2026. She has been identified as 25-year-old Aaliyah Naipal of corner of Oak Avenue and Coconut Drive, Woodford Gardens. Naipal, who was previously detained following the fatal stabbing incident, appeared before a High Court Master on Monday (6th July, 2026). According to reports, 46-year-old Reece arrived at the apartment in a Toyota SUV shortly before an altercation broke out inside the residence. During the confrontation, he sustained a stab wound. Police and Emergency Health Services were notified and responded to the scene. However, upon arrival, Reece showed no signs of life. A District Medical Officer (DMO) was summoned, who pronounced him dead. Naipal, who was initially detained at the scene, was later formally charged following advice received from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Roger Gaspard S.C....
Read more

NO Electricity On Wednesday In Parts of D'Abadie, Chaguanas, Princes Town, Mafeking, Point Fortin

By —
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising customers that planned maintenance work will affect several areas of D'Abadie, Chaguanas, Princes Town, Mafeking and Point Fortin on Wednesday (29th July, 2026). This may result in loss of electricity between the hours of works.  According to T&TEC, the affected areas in D'Abadie, Chaguanas, Princes Town, Mafeking and Point Fortin are as follows:  D'ABADIE (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) All customers on Reid Lane, Temple View and Albert Mc Clean Street. CHAGUANAS (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) From LP #69 heading North on Endeavour Road and then West on Endeavour Connector Road. At the junction of Endeavour Connector Road and Caroni Savannah Road, heading North up to LP #34 (in the vicinity of Roopnarine Hardware), and then South up to LP #24. At the junction of Endeavour Connector Road and Mulchan Seuchan Road, heading South up to LP #32 (in the vcinity of Republic Bank Commercial Centre), inclusive of New Settlement ...
Read more

TWO (2) Suspects Arrested Following Armed Robbery At Chaguanas Mini-Mart

By —
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), a man and a woman were arrested and a firearm recovered, following a co-ordinated Police response to an armed robbery at a mini-mart in Chaguanas this afternoon (Friday 17th July, 2026). At approximately 12:55 PM, Officers of the Central Division Task Force (Area North) responded to a report of a robbery with aggravation at a mini-mart, located along La Clave Street, Edinburgh 500, Chaguanas. The TTPS said preliminary enquiries revealed that two (2) suspects arrived at the business establishment in a silver Toyota Aqua. The driver remained in the vehicle while the other suspect, armed with a firearm, entered the mini-mart, announced a robbery, and discharged two (2) shots before stealing a quantity of cash from the proprietor. The suspects then fled the scene in the waiting vehicle.  Officers immediately co-ordinated with other Police units, resulting in the interception of the vehicle along Madhoo Trace, Carlsen Field, a ...
Read more

31-Year-Old Missing Woman Found Alive In Mayaro — Taken For Medical Treatment

By —
UPDATE (06/07/26): Shahnaaz Ali has told Police that she was kidnapped, drugged and tortured before being left abandoned near a beach in Mayaro. Police have since launched an investigation into the alleged kidnapping as enquiries continue. A woman who was reported missing after failing to return home from work on Friday (3rd July, 2026) has been safely located and taken for medical treatment. She has been identified as 31-year-old Shahnaaz Ali of  #28 Benjamin Street, Diego Martin. According to reports, Ali was reported missing after leaving her new job at a company located along Victoria Avenue, Port-of-Spain, on Friday. She had reportedly only begun working at the company approximately a week earlier, as an Administrative Assistant. Her black-and-white Toyota Yaris Cross (PEK 8148) was also missing. Ali is said to have previously reported receiving threats from a former partner, with the matter having been brought to the attention of both Police and an Attorney before her disa...
Read more

Missing Woman Alleges She Was Kidnapped, Drugged, Tortured Before Being Found On Mayaro Beach

By —
Shahnaaz Ali, the 31-year-old woman who was found in Mayaro the day after she failed to return home from work in Port-of-Spain , has told Police that she was kidnapped, drugged and tortured before being left abandoned near a beach in Mayaro. Ali was found wandering along Gran Lagoon Beach, Mayaro, around 7:00 AM on Saturday (4th July, 2026), after reportedly escaping from her captors. According to Ali, she had parked her vehicle in Port-of-Spain on Friday (3rd July, 2026) and was walking to a nearby business, when she was approached by a man of Spanish descent. She alleged that the man showed her a photograph of her family’s home on his cellphone and warned her not to scream or raise an alarm. She told investigators that a white panel van then pulled alongside them, and she was forced inside by two (2) men. Ali alleged that her hands and feet were bound before she was forced to drink a liquid from a bottle, causing her to lose consciousness. She said her hijab was removed and used to r...
Read more

Venezuelan Woman Stabbed To Death By Boyfriend During Confrontation At Chaguanas Home

By —
UPDATE (12/07/26): Police have launched a manhunt for the 23-year-old boyfriend of Kelimar Del Jesus Duran Morillo, following her fatal stabbing early Saturday morning. The incident unfolded just hours after Morillo and her on-and-off boyfriend of three (3) years attended his birthday celebration at his parents’ home in Endeavour, Chaguanas. Police believe Morillo left the gathering at around 1:50 AM on Saturday morning to return to her apartment because she was scheduled to work later that morning. Her 23-year-old boyfriend arrived at the apartment just over an hour later. Investigators said the couple became involved in a heated argument, during which neighbours heard Morillo screaming, “Don't kill me,” before crying out, “Help me!” Alarmed residents rushed to the apartment and discovered Morillo bleeding inside her room. She was then taken by taxi to the Chaguanas Health Facility, before being transferred to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. Police have since learnt t...
Read more

42-Year-Old Man Killed When Panel Van Crashes Into Truck Along Caparo Valley Brasso Road

By —
A man is dead following a road traffic accident along the Caparo Valley Brasso Road this morning (Saturday 4th July, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 42-year-old Jason Ramnanan of Caparo. According to reports, Ramnanan was driving a white panel van when it collided with a green and yellow waste disposal truck (TCJ 1195) near the Santa Phillipa Bridge along the Caparo Valley Brasso Road, around 9:00 AM. Both vehicles sustained significant damage.  Police and Emergency Health Services were notified and responded to the scene. However, Ramnanan succumbed to his injuries. His sister, Amanda Ramnanan, described him as a devoted family member whose death has devastated relatives. “Jason was the most loved individual and the most caring boy if you ever met him, and he had his whole life ahead of him still.” She said Ramnanan, who had celebrated his birthday earlier this year, on 15th January, was returning home this morning after visiting his grandparents, who live in the area, ...
Read more

MV Barima Disaster In Guyana: P.M. Kamla Persad-Bissessar Issues Statement — Dozens Dead And Missing

By —
UPDATE (29/07/26):  The Government of Guyana has confirmed that a survivor of the MV Barima disaster has died, as an extensive search-and-recovery operation involving three (3) aircraft and fifteen (15) vessels continues across the country’s Northwestern waters — stretching West to Waini Point and East to Adventure. The latest update comes just hours after the vessel’s Captain and two (2) crew members appeared before a Guyanese Court, charged with the murders of the seventy-three (73) victims whose bodies have been recovered so far. The Government said seventy-seven (77) people were initially rescued, but one (1) survivor later died, reducing the number of survivors to seventy-six (76). Authorities also confirmed that out of the seventy-three (73) bodies that have been recovered, five (5) have yet to be positively identified — while an estimated thirty (30) people remain unaccounted for. UPDATE (22/07/26): President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, revealed this morning (Wednesday 22n...
Read more

32-Year-Old Man Shot Dead Outside Bar In La Romaine — 11 Spent Shells Found

By —
UPDATE (16/07/26): Joycelyn Henry-Davis, 71, the mother of murdered Nyron Kyle Davis, said her son was an innocent victim who was caught in the crossfire when gunmen opened fire on Saturday night. Speaking with Crime Watch Host, Ian Alleyne, Henry-Davis described her son as a hardworking plumber who loved football and basketball. She said he had gone out to watch a World Cup football match when tragedy struck. Blaming the widespread availability of illegal firearms, the grieving mother said innocent people continue to lose their lives because criminals have little regard for who gets caught in their attacks. Meanwhile, Davis’ girlfriend, Brianna Ali, also spoke with Ian Alleyne, remembering him as a loving and caring partner whose life was cut short far too soon. Police are now investigating whether Davis’ relationship with Ali may have been the motive for his killing. EDITOR’S NOTE: The body of this article has been updated with new details. A man is dead following a brazen shoot...
Read more

Firearms, TTPS-Engraved Ammunition, Cannabis Seized — 2 Men Arrested

By —
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), two (2) men were arrested, two (2) firearms and quantities of ammunition, including TTPS-engraved rounds, were seized, while cannabis was also recovered during an intelligence-led “Operation R.E.S.O.L.U.T.E.” exercise conducted by Officers of the Central Division Task Force (Area South). The TTPS said between Friday (17th July, 2026) and Saturday (18th July, 2026), Officers conducted roving roadblock exercises at Railway Road, Couva; Greig Street, Balmain, Couva; Pranz Gardens, Claxton Bay; and Southern Main Road, California. While at a bar and lounge along Southern Main Road, California, Officers searched a 40-year-old man of East Boundary Street, California, Couva. During the search, Officers allegedly found a .38 Smith & Wesson Special revolver concealed in a shoulder bag being carried by the suspect. The firearm contained five (5) rounds of 9mm ammunition, each bearing TTPS markings on the percussion cap. Also at the e...
Read more