Muslims in France are starting Ramadan on different days after two major religious groups gave different dates.
The Grand Mosque of Paris said Ramadan would begin on Wednesday. But the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) said the holy month would start on Thursday.
The mixed messages have left many families confused about when to begin fasting.
The Grand Mosque said its decision was based on both modern calculations and the sighting of the new moon. The CFCM said it relied only on scientific calculations to fix the date in advance.
Some people see the Grand Mosque as the main authority for announcing Ramadan in France. Others argue that the mosque has often been influenced by Algeria, which has long had close religious and financial ties with it.
Algeria’s involvement in French religious affairs has been debated for years. Critics say outside influence from Algiers has sometimes complicated efforts to build an independent and united Muslim leadership in France.
However, this year Algeria itself announced Thursday as the first day of Ramadan, not Wednesday, which weakens claims that the Paris mosque simply follows Algiers.
The disagreement is part of a longer struggle over who speaks for Muslims in France.
The CFCM was set up in 2003 with support from the French government to act as a bridge between the state and Muslim communities. Over time it lost influence due to internal disputes. A newer body, the Forum de l’Islam de France (FORIF), was later created to reshape relations.
The Grand Mosque of Paris remains a strong symbol of Islam in France. It was built after World War One to honour Muslim soldiers who fought for the country.
Abroad, several countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, began Ramadan on Wednesday. Egypt chose Thursday.
Morocco is also expected to start on Thursday, depending on the official moon sighting.
About 10% of France’s population, around six to seven million people, identify as Muslim, making Islam the country’s second-largest religion.
For many, the split causes practical problems. Families may begin fasting on different days. Schools and workplaces may face confusion over time off for Eid. Community prayers and shared meals can also be affected.
The dispute shows the ongoing challenge of creating a clear and united religious leadership for Muslims in France, without outside political influence shaping key decisions.
