Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection, and community. It commemorates the month in which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Ramadan 2026 Dates
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, dates shift roughly 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
- Start: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (first full day of fasting was Wednesday, Feb 18).
- End: Expected around Wednesday, March 18 or Thursday, March 19, 2026.
- Eid al-Fitr: The "Festival of Breaking the Fast" marks the end of Ramadan, expected around March 19 or 20, 2026.
Core Practices
- Fasting: One of the Five Pillars of Islam. Healthy adult Muslims abstain from all food, drink (including water), smoking, and sexual relations from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib).
- Daily Meals:
- Suhoor: The pre-dawn meal consumed before the fast begins.
- Iftar: The meal to break the fast at sunset, traditionally starting with dates and water.
- Spirituality: Increased prayer, recitation of the entire Quran, and nightly communal prayers called Tarawih are central to the month.
- Charity: Known as Zakat or Sadaqah, Muslims are encouraged to be extra generous and support those in need.
Exemptions
Fasting is not required for those who are ill, traveling, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruating. Children are also exempt until they reach puberty, though many participate in "half-day" fasts to practice.
Greetings
Common ways to wish someone a blessed month include:
- Ramadan Mubarak: "Blessed Ramadan".
- Ramadan Kareem: "Generous Ramadan".
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