The holy month of Ramadan in 2027 is anticipated to commence on Monday, February 8, across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt, according to the latest astronomical forecasts. These projections are based on calculations regarding the visibility of the lunar crescent and the assessments made by various scientific organizations. It is essential to note that these dates are not officially confirmed and will ultimately be declared by the relevant authorities in each respective country.
In Tunisia, calculations presented by Sarra Snoussi, head of the Space of the Universe department at the Cité des Sciences de Tunis, suggest that the first day of the sacred month will fall on February 8. The projections indicate that Saturday, February 6, corresponds to the 29th day of Chaâbane. As the lunar conjunction is expected to occur that day after sunset, the crescent will not be visible, making Sunday, February 7, the last day of Chaâbane, and Monday, February 8, the first day of Ramadan. The Cité des Sciences also predicts a fasting month of 30 days, which would place Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday, March 10, 2027. This date is also provisional, as the official announcement regarding the start of the Islamic months and religious festivities is the responsibility of the Fatwa Office.
Similarly, astronomical calculations in Algeria also indicate a Ramadan start date of February 8. In Morocco, this same date appears in the projected calendars reviewed. However, Morocco's confirmation will follow its national procedure for lunar crescent observation, conducted under the authority of the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs. In Egypt, projections from the National Institute of Astronomical and Geophysical Research also suggest a Ramadan start on Monday, February 8, 2027. Reports from the Egyptian press indicate that the month may consist of 29 days, which would lead to Eid al-Fitr being celebrated on Tuesday, March 9. Nevertheless, the final date must be confirmed by Dar al-Ifta, the religious authority responsible for establishing the beginning of lunar months after observing the crescent.
Common Astronomical Calculations but Different National Procedures
On an international scale, the International Astronomy Center indicates that the lunar conjunction will occur on Saturday, February 6, 2027, at 15:56 UTC, or 16:56 Tunisian time. Their calendar, based on crescent visibility criteria, designates Monday, February 8, as the start date for Ramadan. However, the organization emphasizes that countries and religious institutions may apply different criteria to determine the beginning of the month. These methodological discrepancies explain why projections for Eid al-Fitr do not necessarily align. While the Tunisian calculations suggest March 10, the Egyptian projection mentions March 9. Therefore, it is premature to assert that all Arab countries will celebrate the holiday on the same day.
As the anticipated dates for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in 2027 approach, final confirmations will be made by the religious authorities in each country.
As reported by lapresse.tn.
