Ramadan 2026 (Islamic year 1447 AH) is expected to begin on Wednesday, February 18 or Thursday, February 19, 2026, depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon. Most astronomical predictions and official announcements point to February 19, 2026 as the first day of fasting, with the holy month running through March 18–19, 2026 and concluding just before Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The precise start and end are confirmed locally by moon sighting committees near sunset on the day before Ramadan begins.
What Ramadan Is and How Its Dates Are Determined
Islamic Months and the Lunar Calendar
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the Five Pillars of Islam, marked by fasting (sawm) from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib).
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the sun, the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle. Each month begins when the new moon (hilal) is sighted after sunset on the 29th day of the preceding month, Sha’ban. If the crescent moon isn’t observed, Sha’ban completes 30 days and Ramadan begins the next evening.
This method makes Ramadan’s exact date slightly variable by region, but astronomers and moonsighting authorities typically estimate the likely start ahead of time based on celestial calculations.
Ramadan 2026 Start Date: What the Predictions Say
Astronomical Projections
Most astronomy groups and moon-sighting authorities project Ramadan to begin as follows:
- Astronomical calculations indicate that the crescent moon will likely be sighted on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. That would make Wednesday, February 18, 2026 the first day of Ramadan (fasting begins).
- If the moon isn’t observed that evening, the next evening (February 18) becomes the start of Ramadan, and the first fast would begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
This dual possibility is common with Ramadan dates because sighting conditions vary by location (weather, horizon visibility, local moonsighting committees).
Official Confirmations
- Oman’s religious authorities have officially confirmed that Ramadan 2026 will begin on February 19, 2026, based on their moon sighting process.
- Other Islamic nations and astronomical bodies, like the Qatar Calendar House, also forecast a likely February 18 start, subject to sighting, with fasting on February 18 or 19 depending on observation results.
Given this mix of projections and confirmations, February 19 is generally considered the most widely accepted start date internationally, with February 18 still possible in some regions based on local sightings.
Hijri 1447 (Ramadan) and Gregorian 2026 Schedule
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan shifts earlier by about 10–11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar. For 2026:
- Ramadan 1447 AH begins: Expected February 18–19, 2026
- 1st day of fasting: Likely February 18 or 19, 2026
- Ramadan continues: ~29–30 days, ending around March 18–19, 2026
- Eid al-Fitr 2026: Expected shortly after Ramadan ends, around March 20, 2026 in many regions (especially if Ramadan is 29 days).
Note: Final dates are always confirmed the evening before Ramadan begins via local moonsighting panels, which may vary slightly by country or community.
Global Ramadan 2026 Iftar and Suhoor Timings — General Guide
Fasting Hours Overview
Fasting hours (time between Fajr and Maghrib) vary by location. Northern countries see longer days, while others closer to the equator have near-equal day length throughout the year:
- In Middle Eastern cities such as Doha, fasting hours at the start of Ramadan are approximately 12 hours 30–45 minutes, increasing slightly as the month progresses.
- In South Asia (e.g., India, Pakistan), fasting hours may be similar at Ramadan’s beginning and slightly longer later in the month as days lengthen.
- Western countries (UK, Canada, U.S.) typically experience longer fasting spans early in Ramadan, often approaching 14 hours or more depending on latitude; local mosques publish detailed timetables closer to the month for accurate daily start (Suhoor) and end (Iftar) times.
Detailed, city-specific prayer and fasting timetables are usually released by local mosques or Islamic centers shortly before Ramadan begins.
Ramadan Practices Around the World
Fasting during Ramadan is central:
- Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.
- The daily fast begins with Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and ends with Iftar (evening meal), often begun with dates and water following the Prophet Muhammad’s tradition.
- Spiritually, Ramadan emphasizes prayer, reflection, charity (zakat and sadaqah), empathy, and self-discipline.
Communities worldwide host communal Iftar gatherings at mosques and community centers, often featuring charity dinners for both Muslims and non-Muslims to share in the religious spirit.
When Will Ramadan 2026 End — Eid al-Fitr Dates
Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, again depending on the next moon sighting at the end of the month. If Ramadan begins on February 19 and lasts 29 days, the last day of fasting would be around March 19, 2026, with Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal 1447) celebrated on March 20, 2026.
If the month lasts 30 days (i.e., Ramadan extends to March 20), Eid may fall on March 21, 2026 in some regions. Final announcements are made locally after Maghrib on the 29th of Ramadan.
Cultural and Social Significance
Ramadan is one of the most important periods in Islam:
- It commemorates the month when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
- Fasting and increased worship foster unity, compassion, and spiritual reflection among Muslims globally.
- The month culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a joyous celebration with prayers, family gatherings, and charitable giving.
Conclusion — Ramadan 2026 Dates Confirmed
Ramadan 2026 (1447 AH) is expected to begin around February 18–19, 2026, with the first day of fasting likely on February 19 for most Muslim communities, subject to moon sighting. The holy month will then continue for approximately 29–30 days, ending around March 18–19, with Eid al-Fitr celebrations likely commencing March 20, 2026.
Because Ramadan’s timing hinges on the crescent moon observation, Muslims are encouraged to follow announcements from their local mosques or moonsighting committees for final confirmation and precise prayer timetables.
