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Ramadan 2026: When is Ramadan? What is Ramadan?

When does Ramadan begin each year? What is Ramadan?

Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

This year, the holy month of Ramadan begins at the first sighting of the crescent Moon on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Learn about how—and why—Ramadan is observed.

What Is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered a holy month that honors the time when Allah, via the angel Gabriel, revealed the first verses of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, to a caravan trader named Muhammad.

When Is Ramadan? 

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin at sundown on Tuesday, February 17, and end at sundown on Wednesday, March 18. The final evening of Ramadan consists of a celebration called Eid al-Fitr, when the traditional month-long fast is ended with a feast.

The exact beginning and ending times of the month of Ramadan are based on the sighting of the first crescent Moon on the last night of the eighth month (Sha’ban). Specifically, Ramadan is said to begin at the first observance of the crescent Moon over Mecca, Saudi Arabia (or on a date predetermined by astronomical calculation). Because of this, start and end dates are not set in stone and may vary by a day.

The dates listed below are based on expected visibility, so they may differ slightly from those seen elsewhere.

Ramadan Dates
YearFirst Evening of Ramadan (fasting begins at dawn next day)Final Evening of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr)
2026Tuesday, February 17Wednesday, March 18
2027Sunday, February 7Monday, March 8
2028Thursday, January 27Friday, February 25
2029Monday, January 15Tuesday, February 13

Traditions of Ramadan

Beginning at puberty, all Muslims (with certain exceptions, such as if one is ill, traveling, pregnant, elderly, etc.) take part in the month-long, dawn-to-sunset fast that is the hallmark of Ramadan. Muslims believe that fasting cleanses the body, and the practice reminds them of the suffering of the poor.

Eating and drinking (including water) is prohibited from dawn to sunset, and the day’s abstinence is offset by a predawn meal called sehri and a nightly meal known as iftar. For iftar, many traditionally break the fast by first eating dates, as the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have done to break his fast. Foods traditionally served at iftar vary, but food is often shared with a poor family during Ramadan.

At the end of the 29- or 30-day fast (depending on the length of the lunar cycle) is Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast), when there is much feasting and celebration!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Ramadan dates change every year?

Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 10–12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Because of this, Ramadan shifts earlier each year.

How is the start of Ramadan determined?

The beginning of Ramadan is based on the first visible crescent Moon after the month of Sha’ban. Some regions use local Moon sightings, while others follow astronomical calculations.

Who is required to fast during Ramadan?

Healthy adult Muslims are required to fast. Exceptions include those who are ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, traveling, elderly, or experiencing medical conditions.

What is the purpose of fasting during Ramadan?

Fasting is meant to promote self-discipline, spiritual reflection, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.

What are sehri and iftar?

  • Sehri (or suhoor) is the pre-dawn meal before the day’s fast begins.
  • Iftar is the meal eaten after sunset to break the fast, traditionally starting with dates.

Why is the Moon important in determining Ramadan?

The Islamic calendar is lunar, so months begin with the sighting of the new crescent Moon. Ramadan and Eid both depend on this sighting.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marking the end of Ramadan with prayer, feasting, and community celebrations.

To all those who observe Ramadan, we say Ramadan mubarak (“blessed Ramadan”)!

Holidays

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening, so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Lateef</span> Thu, 07/11/2013 - 06:38
Assalam allaikum my dear brother&sister. From.India-Maharashtra-Beed.
<span>Md. Aftab</span> Thu, 07/11/2013 - 03:50
a/w i am newly converted to Islam. i just want to know the area where i live there is no any mosque nearby. can i read tarawih at my house alone...? I don't have idea does tarawih Mean Reading The Quran ? Plz let me know asap
<span>Isiaq Balogun</span> Thu, 06/26/2014 - 23:08
Salam Alakum, Yes you can pray Tarawih by yourself it is just encouraged to be done in congregation to promote one of the lessons of Ramadan which is unity, Going to the mosque and praying together brings us together more. Just like any other prayer you have to read the Quran during Tarawih. You can read as many verses as you dim fit. Allahu Ahalam ( God knows best) Ramadam Kareem
<span>Mohammad</span> Wed, 05/14/2014 - 06:22
Yes you can pray tarawih at home with ur family. Tarawih is a prayer consisting 20 rakats.20 rakats are prayed as 2 rakats each and at end of every 2 rakats, give salam and start the next 2 rakats until you finish all 20 rakats. (That means 2 rakats 10 times)Its a sunnah prayer and practiced only in the nonth of Ramadan.
<span>Anas Mushir</span> Wed, 05/14/2014 - 04:59
Well Aftab, if there is no mosque there nereby the you can yourself perform Tarawih at your place. And let me clarify first of all(1) Tarawih is a namaz which can be performed at home if you are far away from the mosque. (2) If in Tarawih there is no one to recite Qura an-Shareef then you can still perform the namaz by yourself without reciting whole Qura an. This can be performed by reciting Qura-an verses just as you normally recite in other namaaz. Note: It is recomended to listen to entire Qura-an in Tarawih but not a mandate.
<span>Alviya Haneen</span> Thu, 05/08/2014 - 23:04
Assalamualaikum, m also reverted towards islam bt 4,5 years ago... So answer of ur query is as u r a guy so u hv to go to mosque bcz it should be with jamaa't... Nd u hv to complete the whole quran in 30 days by listening imaam or by urself... So if u r a hafiz then only u can do it by urself otherwise u hv to listen the whole quran.... And authentically its 11 rakaa'ts of taraweeh per day... If u wnt to cmplete quran by urself then u cn recite quran nt in traweeh bt in.the other time as much as u can... A girl also should do like ths by listening or by herself... Bt in india there is no much mosques available fr girls so they cn perform taraweeh at home whatever surah they remember... Nd if smbdy cn then she should cmplete quran by herself by reciting nt ny compulsion bcz u hv to understand the quraan nt jst reading it... As compulsion is nt fr u as well, as much as u cn then recite nd understand quran bt fr taraweeh u hv to perform it with jamaat anywhere in mosque or ny where...
<span>Bilal</span> Sat, 05/03/2014 - 07:58
Dear Brother Assalamaualiekum, Yes you can pray salat trawih at your home either after offering Isha as well as after Mid night as done by ourProphet. Narreated by our Mother Ayesha (Prophets most dearest Wife) Prophet Muhammad (SW) Offered through out his life Ramadan as well NonRamadan 11 Rakats that is 8 Rakats Salat al lail (Tarwih) + 3Rakats Witar. Brother you can also read Quran by seeing it while offering tarawih if not you are not hafiz.
<span>Syed Ameer</span> Wed, 04/23/2014 - 12:46
Assalaamualaikum brother i congragulate you for entering into the true religion ISLAM i have studied n number of books of different religions but found only islam is the true religion and there is only 1 god 'ALLAH' So now your life after death is secured brother . You can pray tarawih in home .Tarawih is a namaz (prayer) you can offer 20 rakaths of namaz dividing into 2 rakaths each so 2 rakaths of namaz then again 2 rakats so do it 10 times this will sum up into 20 rakats .you can read any surah in these rakats.
<span>Mustapha Ibrahim</span> Tue, 03/18/2014 - 01:31
you can pray at home...since you dont have any mosque close by....
<span>Waleed Yaser Usa</span> Mon, 02/24/2014 - 10:30
My newly reverted brother. It is best to find a Masjid - even if you have to travel a few miles to do Tarawh Salat so you may understand the proper conditions of praying. Just google Masjid in your area and you'll find something close by.