Ramadan Moon Sighting 2026 USA: Night of Doubt on 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH

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On the 29th of Sha’ban 1447 AH (February 17, 2026), the Night of Doubt arrives as moon sighting decides Ramadan 1447. USA groups split: FCNA/ISNA fix Wednesday, February 18 start via calculations; CHC awaits physical Hilal tonight, likely pushing to Thursday, February 19. Global consensus leans toward February 19.

Today Islamic date is 29th of Sha’ban 1447 AH, which falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Muslims in the USA and worldwide face the Night of Doubt (Yawm al-Shakk). Moon sighting committees search for the Hilal to confirm the start of Ramadan 1447.

Ramadan 1447 start date varies by methodology. In the USA, groups follow different approaches for Ramadan moon sighting 2026.

The Central Hilal Committee (CHC) relies on local physical sightings. They asked Muslims to attempt sighting the crescent after sunset tonight. Astronomical data shows the moon is very young—about 10–13 hours old—with low altitude of 3–5°. Physical sighting in the USA remains extremely unlikely. If no credible report comes in, CHC will declare Wednesday as the 30th of Sha’ban. Ramadan then begins on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and ISNA use astronomical calculations. They announced that Ramadan 1447 AH starts on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Their criteria include the moon’s birth before sunset on February 17 and visibility thresholds met globally. Tarawih prayer begins Tuesday night. They fix the date even without naked-eye visibility in the US.

The Hilal Council of Canada / North America waits for verified reports from regional sub-committees tonight. They issue announcements late evening EST via social media and websites.

Experts warn against using telescopes due to the moon’s proximity to the sun, which risks eye injury.