Ramadan 2026: Dates, Moon Sighting & Timetable (Feb 18)

Ramadan 2026: Complete Guide to the Holy Month - Dates, Moon Sighting & Global Timetables

The blessed month of Ramadan 2026 is approaching, bringing with it a time of spiritual reflection, fasting, and community for Muslims worldwide. As followers prepare for this sacred observance, understanding when Ramadan starts, how the moon is sighted, and what to expect during this holy month becomes essential for proper preparation.

When is Ramadan 2026? Official Start and End Dates

Ramadan 2026 begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (evening) in most countries, with the first day of fasting commencing Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The exact start date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

When does Ramadan end in 2026? The holy month concludes on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (evening), followed by Eid ul Fitr celebrations on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Since Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days based on lunar observation, these dates may vary by one day depending on regional moon sightings.

Ramadan 2026 Start and End Summary

• Ramadan Start: February 17-18, 2026
• First Fasting Day: February 18, 2026 (most countries)
• Ramadan End: March 18, 2026
• Eid ul Fitr 2026: March 19, 2026

Understanding Moon Sighting in Ramadan 2026

The Islamic calendar operates on a lunar system, where each new month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. For Ramadan to commence, the new moon must be visible after sunset following the 29th day of Shaban (the eighth month).

How Is the Ramadan Moon Sighted?

Three critical astronomical factors determine moon visibility:

1. Elongation: The moon must be 10-12 degrees away from the sun for reliable naked-eye sighting. Closer proximity makes the crescent too thin to reflect sufficient light.
2. Altitude: Higher moon altitude at sunset means less atmospheric interference. An altitude of 10 degrees typically ensures clear visibility, while 3-5 degrees may require optical aids.
3. Lag Time: The duration between sunset and moonset should ideally exceed 45 minutes, allowing the sky to darken sufficiently for moon observation.

Saudi Arabia Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court plays a central role in determining Ramadan's start for many Muslim nations. Following moon sighting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Saudi Arabia announced that the first day of fasting would be Wednesday, February 18. This confirmation came after testimonies from moon sighters who observed the crescent after sunset.

The Saudi Arabia Ramadan moon sighting process involves trained observers facing west with clear horizon views, recording their observations for the Supreme Court's official declaration.

Morocco Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting

Morocco follows its own independent moon-sighting tradition. Morocco ramadan observances often align with North African sighting patterns, which may differ from Saudi Arabia by one day due to geographical lunar visibility variations.

Ramadan 2026 Dates by Region

Ramadan 2026 UK

In the United Kingdom, Ramadan is expected to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following local moon-sighting confirmations. Many UK mosques and Islamic centers follow the moon-sighting decisions from either local observations or align with Saudi Arabia's announcements.

Key UK Ramadan 2026 Information:

• First fasting day: February 18, 2026 (likely)
• Eid ul Fitr UK: March 19, 2026 (approximate)
• Average fasting hours: 12-13 hours in February/March

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia 2026

Saudi ramadan 2026 officially begins Wednesday, February 18, 2026. As the location of Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia's lunar calendar determinations influence Muslim communities globally. The Kingdom's announcement typically comes within 24 hours after the moon-sighting window.

Regional Variations Worldwide

North America: The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) announced February 18, 2026, as Ramadan's start, using astronomical calculations showing the moon meets visibility criteria globally.

Europe: The European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) declared February 19 as the first fasting day, noting the moon would be astronomically impossible to sight on February 17.

Asia: Most Asian countries anticipate Thursday, February 19 as the first day, since the moon sets before the sun in that region on Tuesday evening.

Africa: Following similar patterns, most African nations expect Ramadan to commence February 19, 2026.

Ramadan Timetable 2026: Prayer Times and Fasting Schedule

The ramadan timetable varies significantly by geographic location, affecting suhoor time (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (sunset meal). Muslims must check local prayer times for accurate fasting schedules.

Suhoor Time Today - When to Stop Eating

Suhoor must conclude before Fajr (dawn prayer). Suhoor time today and throughout Ramadan ends approximately 90-120 minutes before sunrise, depending on location. This pre-dawn meal provides sustenance for the day's fast ahead.

Daily Ramadan Schedule Structure

1. Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal): Eaten before Fajr prayer
2. Fajr Prayer: First prayer at dawn, marking fast's beginning
3. Daytime Fasting: Abstinence from food, drink, and sinful behavior
4. Maghrib Prayer: Sunset prayer, marking fast's end
5. Iftar (Breaking Fast): Traditionally begins with dates and water
6. Tarawih Prayers: Optional nightly prayers during Ramadan
7. Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr): Observed during the last 10 nights

Ramadan 2026 Calendar: Month-Long Overview

The ramadan calendar 2026 spans approximately 29-30 days, with each day following the same fasting pattern from dawn to dusk. The Islamic calendar being lunar means Ramadan migrates backward through seasons by 10-11 days annually.

Important Dates Within Ramadan 2026:

• First 10 Days: Mercy (Rahma)
• Middle 10 Days: Forgiveness (Maghfirah)
• Last 10 Days: Salvation from Hellfire - includes Laylatul Qadr
• Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr): Expected on odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th)

Is Ramadan Tomorrow? Checking Daily Updates

Many Muslims search "is Ramadan tomorrow" during the moon-sighting window. Official announcements typically arrive within hours after sunset on the 29th of Shaban. Reliable sources include:

• Local mosque announcements
• Islamic authority websites
• Saudi Supreme Court declarations
• Regional Islamic councils
• Reputable Islamic news outlets

Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem 2026: Greetings

Ramadan Mubarak ("Blessed Ramadan") and Ramadan Kareem ("Generous Ramadan") are traditional greetings exchanged during this holy month. Ramadan Mubarak 2026 wishes express hope that recipients experience a blessed and spiritually rewarding month.

Different languages offer unique greetings:

• Arabic: Ramadan Mubarak (رمضان مبارك)
• Turkish: Ramazan Mubarak
• Urdu/Hindi: Ramzan Mubarak
• Indonesian: Selamat Ramadan
• Persian: Ramazan Mobarak

The Spiritual Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan represents the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad nearly 1,450 years ago on Laylatul Qadr. As one of Islam's five pillars, fasting (Sawm) during Ramadan is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are healthy and able.

What Makes Ramadan Sacred?

Muslims believe all scriptures—including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Quran—were revealed during Ramadan. This month offers multiplied spiritual rewards, encouraging believers to:

• Fast from dawn to dusk daily
• Increase Quran recitation
• Perform extra prayers (Tarawih)
• Give charity (Zakat and Sadaqah)
• Seek forgiveness and self-improvement
• Practice self-discipline and empathy

Who Fasts During Ramadan?

Fasting is obligatory (fard) for all adult Muslims except:

• Those who are ill (acutely or chronically)
• Travelers on journeys
• Elderly individuals
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Menstruating women
• Pre-pubescent children

Those unable to fast must make up missed days later or provide meals to the needy (Fidya).

Preparing for Ramadan 2026

As the holy month approaches, Muslims worldwide prepare spiritually and practically:

Spiritual Preparation

• Increase prayers and Quran recitation
• Seek forgiveness and reconcile relationships
• Set spiritual goals for the month
• Study Ramadan's significance and rulings
• Plan charitable giving (Zakat)

Practical Preparation

• Stock healthy suhoor and iftar foods
• Adjust work schedules if possible
• Connect with local mosque communities
• Download ramadan timetable apps
• Prepare children for fasting experiences

Global Ramadan Observances

Ramadhan 2026 Cultural Traditions

Different cultures add unique flavors to Ramadan observances:

Middle East: Elaborate iftar feasts featuring traditional dishes like lamb kebabs, rice pilaf, baklava, and kunafa. Public squares illuminate with fanous (lanterns), a tradition from the Fatimid Caliphate.

South Asia: Communities gather for communal iftars, sharing biryani, samosas, and traditional sweets. Special Ramadan bazaars offer unique foods and shopping.

Southeast Asia: Indonesia celebrates with the Dugderan carnival and warak ngendog parades. Breaking fast is announced by striking the bedug (giant drum) in mosques.

North Africa: Moroccan tables feature harira soup, dates, and chebakia cookies. The mesaharati tradition involves drum-beating to wake people for suhoor.

Western Countries: Muslim communities organize interfaith iftars, inviting neighbors to experience Ramadan hospitality while educating about Islamic practices.

Has Ramadan Started? Verification Sources

To confirm "has Ramadan started" in your location:

• Local Mosques: First announcement source for regional confirmations
• Islamic Centers: Provide official calendar and prayer times
• National Islamic Bodies: Issue country-wide declarations
• Saudi Announcements: Influential for many global communities
• Astronomical Calculations: Offer scientific predictions

Eid ul Fitr 2026: Celebrating Ramadan's Conclusion

Eid ul Fitr 2026 marks Ramadan's joyful conclusion, beginning on Thursday, March 19, 2026 (subject to moon sighting confirmation). This celebration includes:

• Eid prayers at mosques or outdoor venues
• Zakat al-Fitr charity given before Eid prayers
• Family gatherings with festive meals
• Gift-giving especially to children
• New clothes and personal grooming
• Community celebrations with food and entertainment

Before Eid, Muslims must pay Zakat al-Fitr, obligatory charity ensuring the poor can also celebrate.

Health and Wellness During Ramadan

Fasting brings potential health benefits when practiced properly:

Benefits:

• Improved insulin sensitivity
• Weight management opportunities
• Enhanced cardiovascular health markers
• Spiritual and mental clarity
• Increased self-discipline

Important Considerations:

• Maintain hydration during non-fasting hours
• Consume balanced suhoor meals with complex carbohydrates and protein
• Avoid overeating at iftar
• Continue moderate exercise
• Consult doctors regarding medication schedules

Ramadan in a Changing World

Modern technology enhances Ramadan observances through:

• Mobile apps providing prayer times and Quran recitations
• Virtual iftars connecting distant families
• Online Tarawih broadcasts for homebound individuals
• Charity platforms facilitating Zakat donations
• Educational resources explaining Islamic teachings

Yet the essence remains unchanged: spiritual growth, community bonding, and drawing closer to Allah.

Conclusion: Embracing Ramadan 2026

As Ramadan 2026 approaches with its start on February 17-18, Muslims worldwide prepare to embrace this blessed month's spiritual opportunities. Whether you're searching for ramadan 2026 uk schedules, saudi ramadan 2026 announcements, or moon sighting confirmations, understanding the dates, traditions, and significance enriches your observance.

This Ramadan Kareem 2026, may all observers find spiritual fulfillment, strengthen their faith, and experience the profound blessings this holy month offers. From the first suhoor time to the final Eid al-Fitr 2026 celebrations, Ramadan provides unparalleled opportunities for growth, reflection, and renewal.

Ramadan Mubarak 2026 to all celebrating this sacred month! May your fasts be accepted, prayers answered, and hearts filled with peace.