In Islam, the two Nights of Doubt are used to determine the beginning and end of Ramadan. In France, it is observed at the Grand Mosque of Paris and broadcast on social networks for other practitioners in the country. Here are the dates to remember.
There Night of Doubt is an important time for faithful Muslims following Ramadan. It is used to set the start and end dates of the fast by observing the appearance of the lunar crescent. Each year, religious authorities organize two evenings dedicated to this observation.
When is the Night of Doubt to announce the start of Ramadan?
In France, the first Night of Doubt was held on Tuesday February 17, 2026, at the Grand Mosque of Paris, marking the official start of Ramadan the next morning. The Second Night of Doubt is organized at 29th day of fasting, and should therefore take place in the evening of Wednesday March 18, 2026. But it really depends on the length of the lunar month, which can also be 30 days. In this case, the second Night of Doubt would take place on Thursday March 19, 2026. In its official calendar, the Grand Mosque of Paris estimates the date of Eid el-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, between Thursday March 19 and Friday March 20: everything will depend on the observation of the crescent moon.
In France, during the Night of Doubt, Precise calculations are carried out using optical instruments, notably by the Paris Observatory. The Muslim religious commission always takes into consideration “the results of scientific work on the adoption of calculation, universal astronomical data, data relating to observing the moon, in France and around the world” as well as the “Paris Observatory report” on the lunar crescent, Muslim religious authorities indicated in a press release.
