Updated for 2026

Ramadan Calendar 2026

Complete Ramadan 2026 calendar with start and end dates, fasting schedule, prayer times, Laylat al-Qadr guide, and Ramadan preparation tips.

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Ramadan 2026 Key Dates

Ramadan 2026 Begins

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

1 Ramadan 1447 AH

Subject to moon sighting

Last Day of Ramadan

Thursday, March 19, 2026

29/30 Ramadan 1447 AH

29 or 30 days depending on moon

Eid al-Fitr 2026

Friday, March 20, 2026

1 Shawwal 1447 AH

Subject to moon sighting

Ramadan 2027: Expected to begin around Monday, February 8, 2027 (1448 AH) — approximately 355 days earlier than Ramadan 2026.

Get Your Suhoor & Iftar Times

Fasting times (Suhoor starts at Fajr, Iftar at Maghrib) vary by city and change slightly each day. Get precise prayer times for your location.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and the holiest month in Islam. It is the month in which the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, as stated in the Quran (Al-Baqarah 2:185): "The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down as guidance for mankind, with clear proofs of guidance and the criterion."

During Ramadan, adult Muslims who are physically able are required to fast from Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset) every day of the month. Fasting (Sawm) is the fourth pillar of Islam and involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations during daylight hours. Beyond the physical fast, Ramadan is a time for spiritual renewal — increased prayer, Quran recitation, charitable giving, and seeking Allah's forgiveness.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said about Ramadan: "When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Daily Ramadan Routine

Before Fajr

Suhoor (Pre-dawn Meal)

Eat Suhoor (the pre-fast meal) before Fajr prayer. The Prophet ﷺ strongly encouraged Suhoor, calling it 'blessed.' Dates and water are traditional, but any nutritious food is recommended. Stop eating when Fajr begins.

Fajr (Dawn)

Fajr Prayer

Perform Fajr prayer. Fasting begins from this moment. Spend time in Quran recitation and morning Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) before sleeping or starting the day.

Dhuhr (Midday)

Dhuhr Prayer

Continue your daily activities with Dhuhr prayer at midday. Ramadan is not a reason to reduce productivity — the Prophet ﷺ continued his normal activities while fasting.

Asr (Afternoon)

Asr Prayer

Asr prayer in the afternoon. If tired, a short rest (Qaylulah) before Asr is Sunnah. Use this time to recite Quran or make du'a.

Maghrib (Sunset)

Iftar — Breaking the Fast

Break the fast at Maghrib with dates and water, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Then perform Maghrib prayer. Du'a at Iftar is especially accepted. The Iftar meal follows after prayer.

Isha (Night)

Isha & Tarawih Prayer

Perform Isha prayer followed by Tarawih — the special night prayer of Ramadan. Tarawih consists of 8 or 20 rak'ahs (scholars differ) and is typically performed in congregation at the mosque, where the Quran is recited to completion over 30 nights.

Last 10 Nights

Seek Laylat al-Qadr

In the last ten nights of Ramadan, intensify worship. The Prophet ﷺ would stay up the entire night in prayer, Quran recitation, and du'a. The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) is most likely on one of the odd nights — the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th.

Laylat al-Qadr — The Night of Power

Laylat al-Qadr is the most significant night of the entire Islamic year. Allah dedicated a full chapter of the Quran to it (Surah Al-Qadr, chapter 97), describing it as "better than a thousand months." Worship performed on this night equals more than 83 years of continuous worship.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan." (Bukhari). The most likely night is the 27th of Ramadan, though it can be any of the odd nights.

Signs of Laylat al-Qadr

  • The night feels peaceful and tranquil
  • The sunrise the next morning is mild without rays
  • A night of moderate temperature (not too hot or cold)

Du'a for Laylat al-Qadr

The Prophet ﷺ taught Aisha to say:

"Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul-afwa fa'fu anni"

"O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me."

Ramadan 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions

When does Ramadan 2026 start?

Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on approximately Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (1 Ramadan 1447 AH), subject to moon sighting confirmation. The exact start date may vary by 1–2 days depending on your country's official moon sighting announcement.

How many days is Ramadan?

Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent moon of Shawwal is sighted. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Fast when you see the crescent, and break your fast when you see it; if it is obscured, complete thirty days.' So Ramadan is never fewer than 29 days or more than 30.

What time does fasting start and end?

Fasting (Sawm) begins at the time of Fajr (dawn) prayer — specifically at 'true dawn' (Fajr al-Sadiq) when a white light stretches across the horizon. Fasting ends at Maghrib (sunset) when the sun fully sets below the horizon. These times vary by location and change slightly each day. Use our Prayer Times tool to get precise Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (fast-breaking) times for your city.

What is Laylat al-Qadr?

Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) is the holiest night in Islam, occurring in the last ten nights of Ramadan — most likely on one of the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). Allah says in the Quran that this night is 'better than a thousand months' of worship (Al-Qadr 97:3). The Prophet ﷺ intensified his worship in the last ten nights seeking this night. The du'a to recite is: 'Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul-afwa fa'fu anni' (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me).

Who is exempt from fasting in Ramadan?

Islamic law provides exemptions from fasting for: (1) Children who have not reached puberty; (2) The elderly who cannot fast without serious harm; (3) Those who are seriously ill; (4) Pregnant or breastfeeding women who fear harm to themselves or their child; (5) Travelers on a journey of significant distance; (6) Women during menstruation or postnatal bleeding. Those who miss fasts due to valid reasons must make them up (Qada) after Ramadan, except the elderly who can pay Fidya (feeding a poor person for each missed day) if unable to make up the fasts.

What breaks the fast (Sawm)?

Things that invalidate the fast include: (1) Eating or drinking intentionally; (2) Sexual intercourse; (3) Intentional vomiting; (4) Taking medication by mouth, injection, or IV (for nourishment). Things that do NOT break the fast include: (1) Eating or drinking forgetfully; (2) Rinsing the mouth without swallowing; (3) Blood tests; (4) Unintentional vomiting; (5) Using eye drops, ear drops, or most inhalers. Always consult a qualified Islamic scholar for specific situations.

Ramadan Tools & Resources