In Ivory Coast, the Muslim community is preparing to begin the holy month of Ramadan. A time of devotion, sharing and penance, this pillar of Islam traditionally begins with a crucial stage: the Night of Doubt.

The ritual of moon observation

The Night of Doubt is the pivotal moment when religious authorities scan the sky to spot the new crescent moon. The calendar depends on this observation.

1. If the crescent moon is visible: The fast begins the following day.
2. If the crescent moon is not visible: The month of Sha'ban is completed, and the fast begins the day after tomorrow.

For the year 2026, this observation is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17th .

Key dates to remember

According to current forecasts, here are the possible scenarios for the start of the holy month in Ivory Coast:

1. Scenario A: Start of Ramadan on February 18, 2026 .
2. Scenario B: Start of Ramadan on February 19, 2026 .

The month of piety is expected to end around March 17 or 18, 2026 , giving way to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr . In addition to abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn until sunset, the faithful will pay Zakat al-Fitr , the obligatory charity that marks solidarity with the less fortunate.

An exceptional calendar: Ramadan and Lent in unison

The year 2026 is marked by a significant spiritual coincidence in Ivory Coast. The Islamic and Christian calendars align to offer a period of shared devotion:

Worship	Event	Start date
Muslims	Ramadan	February 18 or 19, 2026
Christians	Lent	Wednesday, February 18, 2026

For several weeks, Muslims and Catholic Christians will simultaneously observe their times of fasting, prayer, and charity. This convergence symbolically strengthens the climate of social cohesion and religious fraternity in the country.