When Is the First Day of Ramadan 2026? | Everything You Need to Know
When Is the First Day of Ramadan 2026?
When is the first day of Ramadan 2026? Muslims everywhere are already asking this question. Ramadan is Islam’s holiest month. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and giving.
Muslims’ long wait for the first day is an annual event. The beginning of Ramadan is based on the sighting of the new moon. Since the Islamic calendar is based on lunar months, the date varies from year to year.
Fasting duration. Here is when Ramadan 2026 will start, along with its timing. According to astronomical calculations, Ramadan 2026 is likely to begin on the evening of Tuesday, 17th February 2026. That would make the first full day of fasting Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The date, however, can change by a day according to the local sighting of the moon. Here’s a closer look at the process of determining when Ramadan begins, the significance behind it, and how you can prepare yourself for this holy time.
What Is Ramadan?
The Spiritual Heart of Islam
Ramadan is the 9th lunar month. Muslims fast from dawn to sundown during the month. It’s one of the Five Pillars of Islam, or the five basic acts that are considered the foundation for a Muslim’s faith.
Through fasting, patience and self-control are learned, as well as feeling sympathy for those who are less fortunate. During Ramadan, Muslims focus on worship, prayer, charity (zakat and sadaqah), and the recitation of the Qur’an.
A Time for Renewal and Mercy
It’s not just about abstaining from food and drink during Ramadan. It’s a time to return the connection with Allah, renew faith, and purify the soul. Muslims repent; they stay away from haram, and they willfully succeed in bettering themselves.
How the Date of Ramadan Is Decided
Based on the Lunar Calendar
The Islamic calendar is lunar; that is to say, it’s based on moon cycles, not the sun. Each lunar month is about 29 or 30 days long. Therefore, Ramadan shifts back approximately 10 to 12 days every year on the Gregorian calendar.
Moon Sighting and Calculations
Historically, Ramadan commences with the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal). Different countries may rely on:
- Local moon sighting (physical observation)
- Moonsighting (Reports from other countries)
- Astronomical calculations (scientific prediction)
This difference is why Ramadan starts on different days in various places.
Expected Date for 2026
According to scientific data, the 1st Ramadan 2026 is likely to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, when the moon is sighted on Tuesday night, February 17, 2026.
The official Islamic authorities will announce the actual date closer to the time.
Why the Start Date Varies
Regional Differences
The beginning of Ramadan may vary by one day between countries. For example:
- Saudi Arabia and much of the Middle East might begin on February 17.
- And it could begin as early as February 18 for South Asian countries such as Pakistan or Bangladesh.
- Western nations may see either date, depending on the sighting of their local moon-observing committees.
Why It’s Important to Wait for Confirmation
Muslims are required to begin fasting at the correct time, as determined by local authorities. Therefore, you should follow the pronouncements of your local house of worship or Islamic authority. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Begin the fast when you see the crescent and end the fast when you sight it.” (Sahih Bukhari)
How to Prepare for Ramadan 2026
1. Strengthen Your Faith Early
There’s no need to wait for Ramadan to reforge your link with Allah. Start today by making more prayers, reading the Qur’an every day, and asking Allah for forgiveness. This spiritual preparation allows you to prepare your mind, body, and soul for the month, entering it with peace and focus.
2. Plan Your Meals
Create a suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal to break the fast) shopping list of healthy options. Stock up on essentials so you can focus on worship.
3. Set Personal Goals
Ask yourself:
- How many chapters of the Qur’an do I feel like reading?
- How can I support others this Ramadan?
- So which habits do I want to address?
When you’re clear about what you want, your Ramadan becomes more meaningful.
4. Organize Charity and Giving
Ramadan is a month of giving. Muslims give zakat, a compulsory form of charity, and sadaqah, a voluntary form of charity, to support the poor. Knowing when Ramadan begins allows you to determine the best time to make your donations, such as to SPAR Project, a nonprofit that assists families in need.
5. Involve Your Family
Set a strong example for your children by showing them patience, kindness, and gratitude. Arrange family prayers and community iftars to develop your spiritual connection.
What Happens on the First Day of Ramadan
The first day of Ramadan is different. Muslims eat suhoor, make their niyyah (intention) to fast, and set out on a day of worship.
During the day, they:
- Abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset.
- Do not engage in anything negative, such as gossiping or showing anger.
- Commit oneself to prayer, reflection, and the service of others.
Families join together at sunset to break their fast with dates and water, followed by the Maghrib prayer and a large meal.
Key Dates for Ramadan 2026
| Event | Expected Date (Gregorian) |
| First day of Ramadan | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| Mid-Ramadan (15th day) | Wednesday, March 5, 2026 |
| Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) | Likely Monday, March 16, 2026 |
| Last day of fasting | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
Note: Dates may vary by one day depending on moon sighting.
What Is Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power)?
Laylat al-Qadr is one of the last ten nights in Ramadan. It is the night in which the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Mohamed SAW.
The Qur’an describes it as:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)
Muslims believe that worship on this night promises a great reward. Many people use the final ten nights to pray, reflect, and give to charity.
How Long Is Ramadan 2026?
Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. It ends when the next new moon is sighted, which signifies the arrival of Shawwal. That’s finally when Muslims toast to the end of Ramadan’s fasting with Eid al-Fitr, a celebratory holiday.
Why Knowing the Start Date Matters
Planning Spiritual Goals
The first day of Ramadan 2026 will help prepare you mentally (as well as physically). You can prepare in advance for your Qur’an reading, our prayer times, and the charities you wish to support this year.
Community Coordination
Since being confirmed, mosques and organizations such as SPAR Project start food drives, charity events, and Ramadan programs.
Managing Daily Life
Fasting affects your schedule and energy as well. Knowing the date in advance allows you to adjust your work, school, and travel plans before Ramadan begins.
Final Thought—Get Ready for Ramadan 2026
Now you know when the first day of Ramadan 2026 is as well. It will, Insha’Allah, be on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, but a day here or there cannot be ruled out based on moon sighting.
This knowledge gives you time to prepare—spiritually, emotionally, and also practically. Whether you fast, give charity, or volunteer during this time, may your Ramadan be a month of peace, contemplation, and mercy.
Visit SPAR Project site to understand how you can bring hope to others this Ramadan with your charity and good work. Let’s make next year a year of faith, unity, and kindness, together.
How to Make Ramadan 2026 More Meaningful
- Contemplate Daily—As you reflect on your blessings, also consider how to be of service to others.
- Contribute Daily: Give a small amount of money each day to an organization, such as SPAR Project.
- Stay Plugged In—Attend the mosque for prayers and community events.
- Leverage technology—listen to Qur’an audios, use apps that alert you to prayer times, and ensure all distractions are removed.
- Accentuate the positive—forget gossip and complaints, and add in thankfulness and kind words.
Ramadan isn’t about not eating; it’s about being the best person you can be.
So when will Ramadan 2026 start?
Ramadan will start on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and will end on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Why is the date different each year?
It’s because the Islamic calendar is lunar, not solar. B. The lunar year is approximately 10–12 days shorter than the solar year.
Will everyone start fasting at the same time?
Not always. Some may commence one day later or earlier, simply due to the sighting of the moon.
Ramadan dates 2026: When is Ramadan, and how long is it?
It will run for 29 or 30 days and will be concluded somewhere around March 18-19, 2026.
How do I verify the first day in my country?
You should follow the announcement at your local mosque, from the Islamic council in your country, or simply from a national moon-sighting authority.
What is my pre-day-one prep work?
Go to Tarawih prayers, make your Niyyah for fasting, and gear up your heart for worship and self-discipline.
May I prepare donations before Ramadan begins?
Yes. In reality, many Muslims donate early so that SPAR Project, can begin getting aid out on Day One.
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