02/17/2026
🌙 Ramadan Mubarak! 🌙
This month, many of our Muslim colleagues and community members are observing Ramadan—a time of fasting, reflection, generosity, and connection.
During a typical day during Ramadan, those who are fasting will wake before dawn to eat a meal called suhoor. Once dawn breaks, fasting begins. Then, right at sunset, the fast ends with a meal called iftar.
Muslims don’t just fast. They are encouraged to read the Quran, practice gratitude and compassion, avoid wrongdoings and temptations, and give to those in need. Friends and families will say "Ramadan Mubarak" to each other, which means "blessed Ramadan," and often gather for iftar to cook and eat food and worship together. After the five obligatory daily prayers, an optional prayer called Taraweeh is performed at night.
Ramadan 2026 will begin for most Muslims on the evening of Tuesday 17 February 2026 as Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It commemorates the angel Jibril (Gabriel) revealing the holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
The last day of fasting for Ramadan 2026 will be Wednesday 18 March, depending on the sighting of the moon. Unlike the Gregorian calendar we use today, the Islamic calendar operates on the lunar cycle. This means that all significant days in the Islamic calendar appear to shift forward approximately 11 days each year. Therefore, the sighting of the moon determines the end of the month–long period of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid.
Those exempt from fasting will still participate in other aspects of Ramadan, and they can make up their fasts after Ramadan. However, for those who are unable to make up their fasts due to illness, they are required to give fidya, or donate a meal for someone to be fed for each day they missed their fasts.
Wishing peace, health, and a meaningful Ramadan to all who observe.
