When Will the Night of Doubt Confirm the Holy Month’s Dates? Find Out Here!

The Night of Doubt is a crucial moment for Muslim faithful who observe Ramadan. It is used to set the dates for the start and end of the fasting period by looking for the crescent moon. Each year, religious authorities hold two special evenings dedicated to this observation.

What is the date of the Night of Doubt for the start of Ramadan?

In France, the first Night of Doubt is set for Friday, February 28, 2025. It will be held by the Grand Mosque of Paris at dusk to officially announce the start of Ramadan. During this event, the religious commission will gather to observe the sky and the new moon, taking into account astronomical calculations. The second Night of Doubt will occur with the new moon on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

How are calculations made on the Night of Doubt?

In France, during the Night of Doubt, precise calculations are performed using optical instruments, particularly by the Paris Observatory. The Muslim religious commission always considers “the results of scientific work on the adoption of calculation, universal astronomical data, data related to moon observation, both in France and globally“ as well as the “report from the Paris Observatory” on the lunar crescent, as stated last year in a press release by Muslim religious authorities.