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- Ramadan 2026 will begin at sunset on February 17, as confirmed by moon watchers in Saudi Arabia.
- The official start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the waning crescent moon, causing the date to change annually.
- During the holy month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, practice self-discipline, and practice prayer and charity.
- The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is expected to begin on the night of March 18, 2026.
UPDATE: Moon watchers in Saudi Arabia have verified that the crescent moon was seen on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, meaning Ramadan will begin at sunset, according to a social media post on X.
Ramadan is about to begin, and nearly 2 billion Muslims around the world, including about 1% of Ohioans who are Muslim, will celebrate Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
The beginning of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, and the exact date has finally been determined. Here’s what you should know about the holy month of Ramadan.
When is Ramadan 2026? Has Saudi Arabia confirmed Ramadan 2026?
Saudi Arabian observatories have confirmed that the holy month of Ramadan begins on the night of February 17, 2026after the sighting of the crescent moon.
Why does Saudi Arabia have to confirm the start of Ramadan?
Although Ramadan has a predetermined date, confirmation of the holy month requires the actual sighting of the crescent moon, the thin portion of the moon that marks the beginning of each Islamic month.
Why doesn’t Ramadan have the same date every year?
Ramadan is not celebrated on the same date every year. The religion follows the Islamic Hijri calendar, which follows a 12-month lunar cycle, each consisting of 29 or 30 days. Each year, the start and end of Ramadan and the dates of both Eid holidays fall about 11 days earlier than the previous year in the Gregorian calendar.
Many Muslim communities around the world rely on Saudi Arabia and its trained lunar observers to confirm the date of the first day of Ramadan, according to Middle East Eye.
What is the importance of Ramadan for Muslims?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the angel Jibril (Gabriel) revealing the Holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
Are Muslims the only ones allowed to celebrate Ramadan?
Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, and the observance is not limited to Muslims alone. Non-Muslims can also participate in Ramadan activities.
What happens during Ramadan? This is a typical day for Muslims during Ramadan
During Ramadan, a typical day begins with Muslims waking up before dawn to eat a meal called suhoor. Once dawn breaks, the fast begins. Then, just at sunset, the fast ends with a meal called iftar.
Muslims do more than fast during the day. They also refrain from drinking water while practicing self-control and using the month of Ramadan to accumulate blessings and spiritual discipline. Muslims are also encouraged to read the Quran, practice gratitude and compassion, avoid evil deeds and temptations, and give to those in need.
Friends and family say “Ramadan Mubarak,” which means “blessed Ramadan,” and often gather to iftar cook, eat and worship together. After the five obligatory daily prayers, an optional prayer called taraweeh (Tarawih) is performed at night.
Who has to fast during Ramadan? Rules and exemptions for Muslims.
Although Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan, they must be of legal age and healthy. Exemptions include:
- the elderly
- Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating.
- Children who have not reached puberty.
- people with diseases
Those who are exempt from fasting continue to participate in other aspects of Ramadan and can make up their fasts after the holy month. However, those who cannot make up their fasts due to illness should give fidia, a donation that provides a meal to feed someone in place of each missed meal fast.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2026? What is Eid al-Fitr? Marks the end of Ramadan
The celebration that marks the end of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr (or Eid ul-Fitr). It lasts one day and is likely to begin on the night of March 18, 2026, according to Islamic Relief.
On the morning of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims will gather in mosques around the world to perform a communal prayer and greet other Muslims by saying ‘Eid Mubarak’, which means ‘Blessed Eid’ in Arabic. Traditions include celebrating with friends and family, wearing new clothes, eating delicious food, and giving sadaqah (a voluntary charitable contribution).