Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The central practice is fasting from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. It is a time for spiritual purification, increased devotion, and empathy for those less fortunate.
The timing of Ramadan shifts approximately 10-12 days earlier each Gregorian year, as it is based on the sighting of the crescent moon. For 2026, astronomical calculations and religious authorities project that Ramadan is likely to begin on the evening of Friday, February 13, 2026, and conclude with Eid al-Fitr around Sunday, March 15, 2026, though these dates are subject to official moon-sighting announcements.
The daily fast is broken each evening with a meal called Iftar, often starting with dates and water, followed by prayers and a larger communal meal. The pre-dawn meal is called Suhoor. The month commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
Observance occurs globally, with significant Muslim populations in regions such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and increasingly in Western nations. The experience of Ramadan can be influenced by local cultures, daylight hours, and current events, with communities often organizing charitable activities and shared Iftar meals.
