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Ramadan 2026 Start Date Sparks Controversy in France

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The start date of Ramadan 2026 in France is disputed; the Grande Mosquée de Paris sets February 18, 2026, while the Conseil Français du Culte Musulman (CFCM) sets February 19, 2026.
The dispute affects about 6 million Muslims in France.
The French Muslim Theological Council (CTMF) cites visibility conditions in French Polynesia to support February 18, 2026.
The dispute reveals rivalry among France's Islamic institutions and may affect Eid al-Fitr dates.

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Story summary

The start date of Ramadan 2026 in France is disputed; the Grande Mosquée de Paris sets February 18, 2026, while the Conseil Français du Culte Musulman (CFCM) sets February 19, 2026.
The dispute affects about 6 million Muslims in France.
The French Muslim Theological Council (CTMF) cites visibility conditions in French Polynesia to support February 18, 2026.
The dispute reveals rivalry among France's Islamic institutions and may affect Eid al-Fitr dates.