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Australian National Imams Council
@ImamsCouncil
Commencement of The Holy Month of Ramadan I 1447H – 2026
Following extensive consultations with the Imams from the Australian Fatwa Council, the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad wishes to make the following statement regarding the Holy Month of Ramadan 1447H - 2026 for all the Australian states and territories:
Firstly, in Sydney, the sun will set on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at 7:45 pm (AEST), while the new moon for the month of Ramadan will be born at 11:01 pm on the same night. In Perth, the sun will set on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at 7:04 pm (AWST), while the new moon for the month of Ramadan will be born at 8:01 pm. This means that the new moon will be born after sunset in Australia, and the month of Ramadan cannot commence on that night. Therefore:
The Holy Month of Ramadan for this year 1447H- 2026 will commence on Thursday, 19 February 2026
The first night of the Holy Month of Ramadan and Taraweeh Prayer will be on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, after Sunset (After Isha)
Secondly, the method by which the Grand Mufti of Australia and the Australian Fatwa Council determine the commencement of the month of Ramadan is based on the timing of the birth of the new moon of the month of Ramadan in relation to sunset. If the new moon is born after sunset, the month cannot commence on that evening.
The Australian National Imams Council and the Australian Fatwa Council acknowledge, understand and respect the Imams and scholars who may hold different opinions, and request all Muslims to respect the different opinions on this matter and work towards the unity of the Muslim community in preserving the common values and interests that they all have and share.
Finally, The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad and the Australian National Imams Council call upon all Muslims to preserve their fasting whilst supplicating to Allah to protect our countries, spread peace, blessings and security around the world, and alleviate the suffering and hardships of all people and Muslims are facing, in particular our brothers and sisters in Gaza – Palestine.
May Allah bless this Holy Month for you, your family, the Australian Muslim community and the entire Muslim world and may your worship and fasting be accepted this year. AMEEN
Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad
The Grand Mufti of Australia
Chairman of the Australian Fatwa Council
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