When Is Ramadan 2026? Start/End, Moon-Sighting & Basics
When Is Ramadan 2026? Start/End, Moon-Sighting & Basics
Quick take: Astronomical forecasts point to mid-February to mid-March 2026 for Ramadan 1447 AH. Exact dates are confirmed locally by moon-sighting (hilal) committees the night before the month begins and ends.
Expected Dates (Subject to Moon-Sighting)
Multiple reputable calendars project Ramadan 2026 to begin around the evening of Tue/Wed, 17–18 February 2026 and end around Wed/Thu, 18–19 March 2026. Exact start and end will be announced by local religious authorities after the sunset sighting of the new crescent.
- Likely first fasting day: Wed/Thu, 18–19 Feb 2026 (varies by region)
- Likely Eid al-Fitr: Thu/Fri, 19–20 Mar 2026 (varies by region)
Why a range? The Islamic calendar is lunar; months begin with the visible crescent. Some communities accept astronomical calculations, others require local or regional visual sighting. That’s why neighboring countries can differ by a day.
What Happens in Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims fast each day from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib), increase prayer and charity, and gather with family and community.
- Suhoor – pre-dawn meal to prepare for the fast.
- Iftar – fast is broken at sunset, often with dates and water, followed by dinner.
- Taraweeh – special night prayers in congregation (optional but widely observed).
- Zakat & Zakat al-Fitr – obligatory charity (annual due) and end-of-month alms to help those in need celebrate Eid.
Who Fasts? Who Is Exempt?
Adult Muslims fast unless exempt. Common exemptions (fasts made up later or compensated) include: illness, travel, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, advanced age/frailty, and certain medical conditions. Local scholars can advise on individual situations.
Greetings & Workplace Tips
- Common greetings: “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem.” On Eid: “Eid Mubarak.”
- At work/school: Be mindful of late-night prayers and pre-dawn meals. Offering flexible meeting times and a quiet space for prayer is appreciated.
- Hosting iftars: Sunset times shift daily; check the local timetable so food is ready right at maghrib.
FAQs
When exactly will Ramadan 2026 start and end?
Forecasts cluster around the evening of 17–18 Feb 2026 for the start and 18–20 Mar 2026 for Eid al-Fitr. Local moonsighting/announcements decide the final dates in each country/state/city.
Why do countries differ by one day?
Some follow local visual sighting, some accept regional/global sighting, and some use astronomical calculation. Different methods can yield a one-day difference.
What breaks the fast?
Deliberate eating/drinking, sexual intercourse, and (for most schools) intentional vomiting. Involuntary acts and genuine mistakes are excused. Medical needs: ask a qualified local scholar.
Can I take medicine or water while fasting?
Oral intake breaks the fast. Non-nutritive eye/ear drops, inhalers, or injectables are areas of scholarly discussion—seek local guidance for your case.
How long is the daily fast?
From first light (true dawn) until sunset, based on your city’s times. In high-latitude regions with abnormal light, local councils issue adjusted timetables.
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
A mandatory charity due before the Eid prayer so everyone can celebrate. Communities publish the amount (often a per-person food cost) each year.