Ramadan 2026: Complete Guide to Dates and Key Information
Scholar Verified
Written by: M. Hamza
Researcher: Ayesha Rahman
Reviewed by: Omar Abdullah
Last Review: 9 September 2026
Our Ramadan information is carefully examined by a qualified Islamic reviewer to help ensure that religious details, references, and guidance are presented accurately and responsibly.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with the first full day of fasting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The blessed month is expected to continue for 30 days, concluding on Thursday, March 19, 2026, with Eid al-Fitr celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Key Dates for Ramadan 2026
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| First Night of Ramadan | Evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
| First Day of Fasting (1st Ramadan) | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| Last 10 Nights Begin | Evening of Monday, March 9, 2026 |
| Laylat al-Qadr (27th Ramadan) | Night of March 13–14, 2026 |
| Ramadan Ends | Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
| Eid al-Fitr | Friday, March 20, 2026 |
Important Note: The dates mentioned here are astronomical projections. The actual dates may change by one or two days, depending on the sighting of the moon in your location. Always check with your local mosque or religious authority for the confirmed dates in your area.
Why Dates Can Vary Between Countries
Ramadan began on different days across the world in 2026 due to differences in moon-sighting methods.
Countries that started Ramadan on Wednesday, February 18:
- Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan
Countries that started Ramadan on Thursday, February 19:
- Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Oman, Turkey, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Indonesia, Malaysia
Some countries rely on local crescent sightings, while others use astronomical calculations or regional confirmations. This is why the holy month can begin on different days across the Muslim world.
The Moon Sighting Process
The start of Ramadan is confirmed by the official sighting of the new crescent moon. In 2026, the new moon occurred on Tuesday, February 17 at approximately 3:01 PM Mecca time.
How the sighting works:
- Moon sighters face west with a clear view of the horizon after sunset on the 29th day of Sha'ban
- If the crescent moon is sighted, Ramadan begins the following day
- If the moon is not sighted, Sha'ban completes 30 days, and Ramadan starts the day after
Ramadan Calendar 2026
Ramadan 2026 is expected to last 30 days. The exact number of days will be confirmed when the crescent moon of Shawwal is sighted.
| Ramadan Day | Gregorian Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | February 18, 2026 | Wednesday |
| 2 | February 19, 2026 | Thursday |
| 3 | February 20, 2026 | Friday |
| 4 | February 21, 2026 | Saturday |
| 5 | February 22, 2026 | Sunday |
| 6 | February 23, 2026 | Monday |
| 7 | February 24, 2026 | Tuesday |
| 8 | February 25, 2026 | Wednesday |
| 9 | February 26, 2026 | Thursday |
| 10 | February 27, 2026 | Friday |
| 11 | February 28, 2026 | Saturday |
| 12 | March 1, 2026 | Sunday |
| 13 | March 2, 2026 | Monday |
| 14 | March 3, 2026 | Tuesday |
| 15 | March 4, 2026 | Wednesday |
| 16 | March 5, 2026 | Thursday |
| 17 | March 6, 2026 | Friday |
| 18 | March 7, 2026 | Saturday |
| 19 | March 8, 2026 | Sunday |
| 20 | March 9, 2026 | Monday |
| 21 | March 10, 2026 | Tuesday |
| 22 | March 11, 2026 | Wednesday |
| 23 | March 12, 2026 | Thursday |
| 24 | March 13, 2026 | Friday |
| 25 | March 14, 2026 | Saturday |
| 26 | March 15, 2026 | Sunday |
| 27 | March 16, 2026 | Monday |
| 28 | March 17, 2026 | Tuesday |
| 29 | March 18, 2026 | Wednesday |
| 30 | March 19, 2026 | Thursday |
Key Spiritual Themes of Ramadan
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Sawm (Fasting) | Abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) |
| Suhoor | The pre-dawn meal eaten before Fajr prayer |
| Iftar | The evening meal to break the fast at sunset |
| Taraweeh | Special night prayers performed throughout the month |
| Zakat & Charity | Increased giving to those in need |
| Quran Recitation | Completing the recitation of the Holy Quran |
The Three Ashras of Ramadan 2026
Ramadan is traditionally divided into three parts, each of ten days, known as Ashras:
| Ashra | Dates (2026) | Theme | Recommended Dua |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Ashra | Feb 18 – Feb 27 | Mercy (Rehmat) | "Rabbi ighfir wa-rḥam wa-anta khayru r-rahimin" |
| Second Ashra | Feb 28 – Mar 9 | Forgiveness (Maghfirat) | "Astaghfirullah rabbi min kulli dhanbin wa atubu ilayh" |
| Third Ashra | Mar 10 – Mar 19 | Salvation (Nijat) | "Allāhumma ajirnī minan-nār" |
The Third Ashra (March 10 to March 19, 2026) is the most spiritually intense period, containing the last ten nights and Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power).
Laylat al-Qadr 2026 (The Night of Power)
Laylat al-Qadr is the holiest night of the year, commemorating the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Worship on this single night is better than a thousand months (over 83 years of worship).
In 2026, Laylat al-Qadr is expected to fall on the night of Friday, March 13, 2026 (the 27th night of Ramadan, which begins at sunset on Friday, March 13 and continues until dawn on Saturday, March 14).
However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed us to seek it on the odd-numbered nights among the last ten nights — the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr 2026
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal. In 2026, Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Some countries may celebrate Eid on Saturday, March 21, 2026, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
Ramadan Calendar 360 — Your complete guide to Ramadan, Eid, and Islamic worship. Visit us for prayer times, Ramadan calendars, and more.