Ramadan 2027 Expected to Commence Around February 8 in Algeria
Astronomical projections indicate that Ramadan 1448, corresponding to the year 2027, is anticipated to commence around Monday, February 8, in Algeria. This date, approximately ten days earlier than in 2026, allows families and traders across the nation and in the diaspora to begin planning for upcoming holidays, travel, and essential purchases. The first Tarawih prayer is expected to take place on the evening prior to the start of the fasting month.
These projections are based on detailed astronomical calculations, including those from the Umm al-Qura calendar, which consistently place the start of fasting around February 8. However, there remains a possibility for the beginning to shift by a single day, potentially moving to Tuesday, February 9. Following the fasting period, Eid al-Fitr is predicted to fall on Tuesday, March 9, if the month comprises 29 days, or on Wednesday, March 10, should the month extend to 30 days.
In Algeria, the official determination of the Ramadan start date rests with the National Commission for Crescent Observation, which operates under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This commission, a significant national body, brings together esteemed ulemas and experts from the Centre for Research in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Geophysics (CRAAG), supported by sub-commissions established in each wilaya. The process involves observing the crescent of Chaâbane on the 29th evening of Rajab to announce the first day of that month, subsequently setting the "night of doubt" for the 29th of Chaâbane.
During the "night of doubt," the commission convenes at Dar El Imam in Mohammadia to gather comprehensive reports from the wilayas. Should observers successfully sight the crescent moon, the sacred month of fasting begins the following day. If the crescent is not sighted, Chaâbane is then deemed to have thirty days, and Ramadan commences the day after. This rigorous national procedure ensures a unified and accurate start to Ramadan, allowing for widespread preparations, including efforts by authorities to monitor prices and by importers to secure red meat supplies in anticipation of the holy month. The preliminary calculation places the 1st of Chaâbane 1448 around Saturday, January 9, 2027, with the crucial night of doubt expected on the evening of February 6 or 7.
