Each Ramadan, millions of people worldwide eagerly anticipate its arrival. It’s a month of peace, meditation, and an opportunity to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah. It’s not just a time for fasting, after all; Ramadan is meant to be a season of spiritual rebooting, of intense increase in faith and kindness.

If you’re wondering, “When is Ramadan 2026?” OR “Ramadan date 2026” IF Dates The new year, as you plan it, will be looking likely to begin in the evening of Thursday, Feb 20th, but end at some point between Friday, March 21st, and Saturday, March 22nd (depending on the actual sighting of a newborn crescent moon). The specific starting date can sometimes vary from one region to another around the world.

Here is information to help you prepare for Ramadan 2026, including when it starts and ends, what makes this month special, and why it’s a spiritually significant experience.

What Ramadan Really Means

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is the month when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink, as well as other sins.

But Ramadan is more than just fasting. This is about cleansing the heart, gaining self-control, and helping others.” It’s a month of rejuvenating your relationship with Allah and contemplating life.

“On the Day of Resurrection, a huge fat man will be brought, and so will a very emaciated thin man!” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “The fat man will weigh more than any of you can ever imagine! And the emaciated (thin) man is lighter than any one of you can ever imagine.

“When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of hell are closed, and the devil is chained up.”

Ramadan Date 2026: Expected Start and End

The Ramadan date for 2026 is estimated to begin on February 20, 2026 (Friday evening), with the first day of fasting on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Since the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the actual start date depends on the sighting of the moon. Countries may observe the beginning on different days.

The month will likely last 29 or 30 days, ending on March 21, 2026, followed by Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of the fasting period.

How the Ramadan Date Is Calculated

The second restriction: Ramadan, after all, follows the Hijri calendar, which is governed by the moon’s cycle. A new Islamic month begins with the sighting of a light crescent moon in the evening sky.

Since the lunar year is 10 to 11 days shorter than the astronomical year, Ramadan begins earlier each year. That’s the reason why, in 2026, it comes in February; during previous years, it began as early as March or even April.

This perpetual rotation means that Muslims everywhere experience Ramadan in every kind of season—from long, sultry days to short, crisp ones—teaching patience and resilience.

Ramadan 2026 Around the World

The beginning of Ramadan varies from year to year, depending on local moon sightings, and differs from country to country. Here’s what it might look like around the world:

• Saudi Arabia: Projected to begin on February 20, 2026.
• Bangladesh, Pakistan, India: The first ball is expected to be bowled on Feb. 21, 2026.
• UK and Europe: Approximately February 20-21, 2026.
• USA and Canada: Approximately as of February 20–21, 2026.

With some minor differences, the intention remains the same: to observe stringent fasting alongside prayer and seek Allah’s favor.

Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan involves more than just fasting and abstaining from food and drink. It’s a journey of the heart. Muslims use this month to re-establish their relationship with God through worship, self-introspection, and charity.

Through fasting, one can achieve taqwa, which is a strong consciousness of Allah. While fasting, you control your appetite, speak courteously, and refrain from bad habits. It’s a mental detox that purifies your soul and mind.

This month also builds empathy. When we feel hungry, we then know what the poor go through every day, and this motivates us to help out more and give generously.

How to Prepare for Ramadan 2026

Preparation makes Ramadan more meaningful. It begins early—mentally, spiritually, and physically.

Here’s how you can get ready:

• Renew your intention. Remember why you’re fasting—for Allah alone.
• Ensure that you complete any missed fasts before Ramadan begins.
• Set daily objectives for prayer, Qur’an recitation, and charity.
• Please consider adjusting your schedule to dedicate time to worship.
• For everyone, healthy, easy, and simple suhoor and iftar meal plans.

Preparation means that the minute Ramadan begins, your energy is spent practicing, not figuring out what to eat for iftar.

Fasting Hours During Ramadan 2026

Fasting hours will be shorter compared to Ramadan 2026, which falls in February and March. Here’s an estimate:

• Dhaka, Bangladesh: ~13 hours
• London, UK: ~12 hours
• New York, USA: ~12.5 hours
• Dubai, UAE: ~13.5 hours

The shorter fasting hours will allow families, students, and employees to balance worship with their daily lives. But the ultimate end is consistent assent—not just getting through a day, but changing one’s heart.

Acts of Worship to Focus On

Ramadan is packed with chances for spiritual growth. Here are the strongest acts to concentrate on in Ramadan 2026:

• Daily Salah (prayers) – Pray five times a day. They are the sinews of faith.
• Taraweeh is a type of night prayer that enhances your connection with the Qur’an.
• Recite the Quran – Try to complete it at least once in the month.
• Dhikr—Keep your tongue occupied in the remembrance of God.
• Charity/Sadaqah and Zakat: Give as much as you can to charity.
• Service to others—smile, help, or support family or neighbors.

Every one of these is a purification for your soul and a multiplier for your rewards.

The Role of Charity During Ramadan

At its core, Ramadan is about charity. Allah’s Messenger was the most generous of people in doing good, and he used to be more so (generous), particularly in Ramadan. You get multiplied rewards for giving in Ramadan.

You can help navigate families, orphans, and those in financial crises through reputable organizations, such as the SPAR Project. Your donations can fund:

• Iftar meals for fasting families
• Food packages for orphans
• Water wells in rural areas
• Livelihood support for widows

Each donation makes a tangible difference and also ensures your Ramadan spirit endures beyond the fasting period.

Please keep in mind that your gift is not just money—it’s hope for another person’s survival.

Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan

Fasting is the purification of the body and the mind. Here’s how:

• Spiritual benefit: It reinforces your faith and discipline.
• Emotional benefit: It brings inner peace, patience, and gratitude.
• Health benefit: It helps your body relax and enables efficient digestion and detox.

Ramadan is a reminder that more isn’t always better. You give up physical comfort for spiritual strength.

Key Dates During Ramadan 2026

Here are some recent milestones to monitor:

• Share this: Print First Day of Ramadan: February 21, 2026
• Middle of Ramadhan (15th day): 6 March, 2026
• Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power): Anticipated during the period of March 16–20, 2026
• Eid al-Fitr: March 22, 2026 (likely)

Laylat al-Qadr is the night to beat all nights—praying during it is like a thousand months. Muslims stay up praying, making doi, and reflecting, praying for forgiveness and blessings.

Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power

This night falls in the last ten days of Ramadan. The Qur’an was revealed on Laylat It falls on the last ten nights of Ramadan. There, the Qur’an was brought down, making it the holiest night of the year.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3)

Ways to make the most out of this night:

• Pray long, sincere prayers.
• Make heartfelt duas.
• Donate to charity, even a small amount.
• Supplicate to Allah, for He is the Forgiver, the Most Merciful.
• The few minutes you spend worshiping on this night shift are your destiny.

Eid al-Fitr: The Celebration After Ramadan

A month of fasting culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a day of joy, family, and thankfulness. Muslims meet for prayer, break bread together, and give Zakat al-Fitr—a type of charity in which the faithful donate to help the poor celebrate as well.

It’s a note that after every difficulty, Allah gives ease. Eid is a time of closure and renewal—the beginning of living into what we’ve learned during Ramadan.

How to Give Back During Ramadan 2026

Charity is one of the simplest forms of reward. You can:

• Sponsor an orphan’s iftar or his education.
• Give a Ramadan food pack to a family in need.
• Help change entire communities by contributing to water well projects.
• Please consider financially supporting our healthcare or eye surgery projects as a SPAR ministry.

Visit staging.sparproject.org/. Choose an organization to select a cause that resonates with you. Each small act of compassion adds up.

Final Thought

The 2026 Ramadan date is more than just a calendar shift. It’s an opportunity to rekindle your faith, fortify your character, and help others.

Start preparing now. Set your intentions, plot your charity, and make this Ramadan the best one yet. This month is such that its blessings are unlimited; for so much as you might strive to do sincerely, however great or little it may be, Allah will reward.

If you’re ready to make a measurable impact this Ramadan, check out staging.sparproject.org/ and help fund projects that deliver hope, food, and clean water to those who need it most.