When is Ramadan 2026?

Everything You Need to Know about Ramadan 2026  

Ramadan is right around the corner. For Muslims worldwide, it’s a time of reflection, devotion, and spiritual growth. 

What is Ramadan? 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and helping the less fortunate. 

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from consuming food, drinks, and cigarettes. The daily fast concludes with Iftar, starting at Maghrib, which is the time of sunset. It typically begins with eating dates, followed by a larger meal. Eating Iftar with family, friends, and the community is a special event during Ramadan. 

How long is Ramadan? 

Ramadan can last 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon. The date is based on the lunar calendar, approximately 10 or 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. 

When is Ramadan in 2026? 

Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin Tuesday, February 17 or Wednesday, February 18, and end on the evening of March 18 or 19, 2026. 

Sawm: The Fourth Pillar of Islam 

The Fourth Pillar of Islam is Sawm or fasting. All able Muslims (adults and those in good health) should fast from sunrise to sunset. Individuals who are ill, elderly, pregnant, nursing, menstruating, traveling, or facing conditions that can make fasting physically harmful are exempt from fasting. 

Why is Fasting Important? 

Fasting helps individuals understand the struggles faced by millions trapped in poverty and famine, thereby allowing them to be thankful for their blessings. 

What to do if I or someone else can’t fast? 

If you’re unable to fast due to old age or illness and can’t make up the fasts later, Fidyah is required. It involves feeding a poor person twice a day for each missed fast. 

You can pay your Fidyah with Muslim Hands at $10 per missed fast or $300 to cover the entire month of Ramadan. 

Kaffarah, on the other hand, is for intentionally breaking or missing a fast. 

You can either fast for 60 consecutive days or feed 60 poor people twice a day for each broken fast. 

You can pay your Kaffarah at Muslim Hands at $600 per broken fast. 

Your funds will be used towards providing hot nutritious meals to people in need. 

Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) 

Laylatul Qadr, one of the most blessed nights of the year, also occurs during the month of Ramadan. The exact date is unknown, but it’s expected on one of the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan. 

“What will make you realize what the Night of Power is like? 

The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. 

Angels and the Spirit descend upon it with their Lord´s permission with every command. 

There is peace that night until the coming of dawn.” [Quran: 97:1-5] 

Offering Zakat/Charity in Ramadan 

In Islam, offering charity is a great deed at any time of year. However, rewards for good deeds, including charity, are multiplied during Ramadan. 

“The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous of people in charity, but he was generous to the utmost in the month of Ramadan…giving charity like the blowing wind.” 

(Sahih Muslim) 

Therefore, giving becomes even more significant during this holy month and many Muslims choose to donate Sadaqah and Zakat in Ramadan. Zakat is an obligatory act of charity and is the third pillar of Islam. 

‘You shall observe the Salah and give the obligatory charity (Zakat) and bow down with those who bow down.’ (Qur’an 2:43) 

How to Calculate Zakat 

Zakat is due on all wealth and assets held above a certain threshold, also known as the nisab. Zakat is calculated at 2.5% of all total wealth above the nisab value and takes into consideration: 

• Gold and silver 

• Cash in hand and bank accounts 

• Pensions 

• Investment property 

•  Stocks and shares 

• Money lent out 

• Business stock 

• Agriculture produce 

All wealth must have been maintained for one lunar year before you pay Zakat. 

Use our free online Zakat Calculator to calculate your Zakat. 

Pilgrimage to Mecca 

Many people choose to perform Umrah during the blessed month of Ramadan, especially during the last ten days of this month. Unlike Hajj, umrah is voluntary. It is believed that performing the pilgrimage during the last ten days of Ramadan holds a greater reward. 

When is Eid al-Fitr 2026? 

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan. It is expected to take place on Friday, March 20, 2026. This date depends on the sighting of the moon.