Ramadan 2026 is projected to begin around Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, and conclude on or about Friday, Mar. 20, 2026, marking the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar based on sightings of the new moon, the actual dates of Ramadan 2026 may vary depending on where you live and what time zone you are in. Millions of people observe Ramadan every year, and for many of them, Ramadan represents the opportunity to perform acts of worship that bring peace and guidance to their lives.
In addition to being the month of revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is recognised for its profound spiritual significance. The season in the Northern Hemisphere will be late winter and early spring; therefore, fasting during Ramadan 2026 will be slightly easier than fasting in the hot summer months in the United Kingdom.
However, because the days will be relatively short in places such as the U.S., Canada, and the UK, there will be fewer hours of daylight, making the physical aspect of fasting slightly less demanding than the longer summer days. Nonetheless, changing your sleep patterns before Ramadan will be important, as you will need to wake earlier in order to have a pre-dawn meal before you begin your fast for the day. Also, getting used to a new diet and reducing your intake of caffeine and other substances will be very helpful in reducing headaches when you start fasting.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is based on the sighting of the new moon. Since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, it is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar by 11 days. Therefore, Ramadan 2026 will be approximately 10 to 12 days sooner than Ramadan 2025.
The astronomers predict that the new moon will appear in mid-February of 2026. Based on astronomical predictions, the start date for Ramadan 2026 will likely be Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, but it will depend on whether the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. If the crescent moon is not visible due to weather conditions, then the next day, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2026, will be the first day of Ramadan.
Therefore, it is very important to check with your local mosque or Islamic centre to confirm the date of Ramadan 2026. In addition to consulting with your local mosque or Islamic center, you can follow moon sighting announcements from reputable websites, such as MoonSighting.com.
Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset. It is a time to cultivate taqwa, a constant state of consciousness of God. When we abstain from our basic needs of eating and drinking during the daylight hours, we create a spiritual space that can be filled with worship, prayer, and recitation of the Quran.
The month of Ramadan is traditionally divided into three periods called ashra (ten-day periods). The first ashra is focused on seeking mercy and forgiveness from Allah. The second ashra is focused on seeking forgiveness from Allah. The third ashra is considered the most sacred time of Ramadan and is a time to seek refuge from hellfire. This third ashra is also the time when Muslims believe that Laylat Al Qadr (the Night of Decree) occurs, which is believed to be the best night to pray in the entire year. According to the Quran, worship on this night is better than worship for 1,000 months.
As stated previously, Ramadan is a time of spiritual growth, self-reflection, and increased charitable activities. However, in order to fully benefit from the spiritual aspects of Ramadan 2026, you need to prepare yourself mentally, physically, and financially.
Start building your mental capacity for Ramadan by performing additional acts of worship during the months of Rajab and Sha’ban. For example, increase your daily reading of the Quran to help build your endurance to read more during Ramadan. Take the opportunity to catch up on any missed fasts from the previous year. Consider reflecting on your personal habits and characteristics that you would like to improve during the month of Ramadan. Set realistic goals for yourself to achieve spiritually during Ramadan 2026.
Although Ramadan 2026 will occur in February and March, the days will be relatively short in Europe and North America, making the physical demands of fasting somewhat less than those experienced in the hot summer months. Adjusting your sleep schedule before Ramadan will be important since you will need to wake earlier than usual to eat a pre-dawn meal before you begin your fast for the day. Additionally, focusing on a healthy diet in the weeks leading up to Ramadan will help alleviate the potential withdrawal headaches you may experience during the initial fasting days.
Ramadan is a time of giving, and charitable activities are encouraged. In fact, it is one of the most rewarding times of the year to give to charity. By establishing a charitable plan ahead of time, you can ensure that you don’t miss the increased rewards for giving during this time. Identify the amount you want to give, calculate your mandatory zakat, and choose the organisations and causes you want to support.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his generosity during Ramadan, and he is quoted to have said, “I am more generous than a blowing wind.” Every good deed performed during Ramadan is multiplied in reward, making it the most opportune time to give charity.
Many Muslims prefer to pay their zakat (obligatory annual alms) during Ramadan, not only because they receive a spiritual multiplier for doing so but also because they are fulfilling their obligation to Allah. Voluntary charity, or sadaqah, is also abundant during Ramadan, as communities come together to assist the most vulnerable among them.
When developing your charitable plan for Ramadan 2026, consider donating to established, life-changing projects. One of the most recommended forms of charity during Ramadan is providing food to those in need to break their fasts. Food packs are a wonderful way to provide assistance to impoverished families with nutritious meals for both suhoor and iftar during the month of Ramadan. Another form of charity that receives great reward is assisting defenseless individuals, especially children who have lost their parents. The Prophet (PBUH) stated that caring for orphans will bring a person close to him in paradise. KORT offers a sponsored orphan program that provides a child with food, shelter, education and medical care.
To help you plan your schedule, here are some key dates for Ramadan 2026. Please note that all dates listed are dependent on the local sighting of the moon.
By noting these dates now, you can request time off from school/work, etc., and attend the late-night Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers during the last ten nights of Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr with family and friends.
