Shura Council Welcomes Interim Executive Director
February 5, 2026
The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Masoud Nassimi as Interim Executive Director, effective immediately.
Mr. Nassimi has dedicated over three decades to community leadership, nonprofit development, and service. He currently serves on the boards of North America Islamic Trust (NAIT), Afghan American Muslim Outreach (AAMO), and Masjid Al-Hedayah. Also, he previously served on the boards of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, Orange Crescent School, and the Islamic Center of South Bay. He has played foundational roles in several organizations, including as founding President of AAMO and as President and founding member of CAIR-Los Angeles, and he served as Chair of CAIR-California early in his career.
Professionally, Mr. Nassimi is a retired Permit Engineer with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and has been an adjunct professor at Los Angeles Valley College for more than three decades. He is the author of academic textbooks in algebra and several community-focused Islamic publications on topics including Hajj, mosque security, and regional histories.
In his new role, Mr. Nassimi will guide the Shura Council’s strategic initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and support service expansion throughout Southern California.
2026 Shura Council Ramadan Annoucement
In the Name of God, The Beneficent the Merciful
January 20, 2026
The Shura Council is pleased to announce the expected dates of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr for the year 2026/1447AH. Based on the Fiqh Council announcement, the dates are expected to be as follows, insha’Allah.
First day of Ramadan is expected to be on Wednesday, February 18th
First day of Shawwal is expected to be on Friday, March 20th
First Taraweeh: Tuesday, February 17th
First Day of Fasting: Wednesday, February 18th
Eid al-Fitr: Friday, March 20th
insha’Allah
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint.” Qur’an 2:183
Ramadan 1447 AH:
The Astronomical New Moon will be born on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. So, the first day of Ramadan is Wednesday, February 18, 2026, insha’Allah.
Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH:
The Astronomical New Moon will be born on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026. On that evening, the elongation is more than 8 degrees, and the moon is more than 5 degrees above the horizon. Hence, the first day of Shawwal will be on Friday, March 20, 2026, insha’Allah.
In regard to these blessed occasions, we are reminded to keep in mind that there are allowances for valid scholarly differences of opinion in determining the beginning and end of the auspicious Month of Ramadan. Mutual respect and humility are pillars of the requirement for unity as we collectively strive to please our Creator in all aspects of our lives.
We encourage every organization and individual to follow that which is most unifying for the community, including consultation with religious leadership. More specific Ramadan guidance, including reminders and recommendations, can be found in the upcoming weeks on our website.
May Allah keep us on the straight path, facilitate us to have a blessed and joyous Ramadan, and accept our devotional acts solely for His sake, Ameen.
