Donald Trump Delivers Ramadan Message to Muslims, Calls for Greater Charitable Deeds
US President Donald Trump extended Ramadan greetings to Muslims in the United States and around the world. In a Ramadan message released by the White House, Trump expressed hopes for goodness and spiritual renewal during the holy month.
“Today, I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to all those observing Ramadan,” Trump said in a press statement quoted on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
“Each Ramadan is a season marked by reverence for spiritual renewal, reflective meditation, and appreciation of God’s countless blessings.”
Trump described the holy month of Ramadan as a time when Muslims worldwide, and particularly in the United States, observe fasting and increase their prayers, strengthen family and community bonds, and reaffirm shared values of compassion, charitable giving, mercy, and humility.
“The God-given right to worship freely is a hallmark of our Nation and a pillar of our prosperity and strength. For this reason, every day, my Administration ensures that all citizens can practise their faith, follow their conscience, and worship freely — because religious freedom means the freedom to practise your religion proudly and without fear of persecution,” Trump stated.
On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, filled with grace and goodness, Trump “offered prayers for happiness” and “peace throughout the world.”
North America and Canada Begin Ramadan on 18 February
The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) determined that the beginning of Ramadan 1446 Hijriah/2026 for the Americas and Canada falls on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. The determination was based on astronomical calculation (hisab) as an accepted Sharia method for determining the start of lunar months, including Ramadan and Shawwal.
The FCNA has historically used the criteria of the European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR), which stipulates that at some point on earth, at sunset, the elongation must be at least 8 degrees and the moon must be at least 5 degrees above the horizon.
If these conditions are met, it is confirmed that the moon is above the horizon and will be visible somewhere on earth. Therefore, the new lunar month begins the following day; if not, it begins the day after that.