02/17/2026
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, observed by Muslims around the world as a time of spiritual reflection, discipline, devotion, and community. It commemorates the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
During Ramadan, Muslims fast each day from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called iftar, and the day often begins with a pre-dawn meal called suhoor. Beyond fasting, Ramadan emphasizes prayer, reading the Qur’an, charity (zakat and voluntary sadaqah), self-restraint, forgiveness, and strengthening one’s relationship with God.
While Ramadan is a sacred Islamic observance, you do not have to be Muslim to honor the month or participate in fasting. Many people of different faiths — or no formal faith — choose to fast in solidarity, to cultivate discipline, to practice gratitude, or to engage in personal spiritual reflection. However, for Muslims, Ramadan carries specific religious significance and guidelines rooted in Islamic tradition.
The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a joyful celebration marked by communal prayer, charity, gatherings, and gratitude.
Ramadan 2026 Dates
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so its dates shift each year. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin at sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with the first full day of fasting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and is expected to end at sunset on Thursday, March 19, 2026 (subject to official moon sighting).
