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Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic Calendar. It represents spiritual devotion, self-reflection, and unity for Muslims around the world. Rooted in Islamic teachings, Ramadan helps believers strengthen their connection with Allah. It also promotes gratitude, empathy, and humility.
In this blog, you will learn about the expected dates of Ramadan 2026, the significance of this holy month, and why Muslims fast during Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a time when Muslims observe a period of fasting from dawn (Suhoor) until sunset (Iftar) each day.
Fasting during Ramadan isn't just about abstaining from food and drink; it's a spiritual practice that encourages self-discipline and mindfulness. Muslims fast not only by refraining from eating and drinking but also by avoiding certain acts. These include engaging in false speech, lying, intimate relations between husband and wife, backbiting and so on.
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said,
"Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)"
(Sahih Bukhari, 1903)
The exact start and end of Ramadan depend on the sighting of the crescent Moon on the last night of the eighth month, Sha'ban. Ramadan begins when the crescent Moon is first seen. Due to this, the start and end dates vary.
The following dates are based on the Islamic lunar calendar. They may vary depending on local moon sightings.
Ramadan officially begins when the Islamic month of Shaban ends, and the new moon of Ramadan is sighted. The next Ramadan is expected to begin on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
Ramadan is expected to end on the evening of Wednesday, 18 March 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Event | Gregorian Date | Hijri Date (1447 AH) |
Ramadan begins | Evening of Tue 17th or Wed 18th Feb 2026 | 29 / 30 Sha’ban |
First fast | Wed 18th or Thu 19th Feb 2026 | 1 Ramadan |
Last fast | Thu, 19th Mar 2026 | 29 / 30 Ramadan |
Eid al-Fitr | Fri, 20 Mar 2026 (expected) | 1 Shawwal |
Moon sighting traditions differ worldwide. Some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, rely on national-level moon sighting committees, while others, like the UK, may combine local sightings with announcements from trusted authorities.
These variations explain why Ramadan 2026 dates worldwide may differ slightly from country to country, even though all follow the same principle of beginning with the confirmed new moon.
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The variation in the dates of Ramadan is due to the Islamic lunar calendar. It is distinct from the fixed nature of the Gregorian solar calendar. The latter is a conventional calendar system widely used in the world today and operates as a solar calendar based on the Earth's orbit around the sun. It consists of 365 days in a common year and 366 days in a leap year.
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, consisting of 12 lunar months, totalling around 354 or 355 days per year. This differs from the Gregorian solar calendar, causing a yearly shift in the start of Islamic months relative to the fixed Gregorian dates.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which has leap years and days, the Islamic calendar doesn't include such adjustments. It relies solely on the sighting of the crescent moon to start each month, including Ramadan. This reliance on moon observation leads to the variability in Ramadan's commencement.
Global geographical differences significantly affect moon sightings, resulting in regional differences at the start of Ramadan. Local moon sighting methods, weather conditions, and locations cause slight variations in the start and end dates of Ramadan across different areas.
Fasting during Ramadan holds profound significance for Muslims, extending beyond its obligatory nature as one of the five pillars of Islam.
Firstly, it is viewed as a means of practicing self-discipline and self-control. By refraining from physical needs and desires, individuals aim to strengthen their willpower and develop a greater sense of empathy towards those less fortunate. Fasting also reminds people of the blessings in life, helping them feel grateful for the food and privileges they have.
Furthermore, fasting is a spiritual practice that helps Muslims strengthen their connection with Allah. It cleanses the soul, refreshes the mind, and promotes self-reflection. Muslims ask for forgiveness, perform Taraweeh (night prayer offered during Ramadan), and seek guidance to live righteous lives.
The Prophet (PBUH) highlighted the spiritual importance of fasting. One notable Hadith mentions:
“Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 38)
Want to learn more? Read reasons why Muslims fast during Ramadan in detail here!
Many Muslims prefer performing Umrah during Ramadan. The sacred journey holds special significance during this holy month. Muslims believe that Umrah during Ramadan brings greater blessings and rewards. The atmosphere in Makkah (Mecca) is filled with intense devotion and worship.
Pilgrims feel a profound connection with their faith and with fellow Muslims. It's a chance to seek forgiveness from Allah. For many, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Ramadan in the holiest of places.
Feeling unsure what to pack for Umrah during Ramadan? We’ve got you covered! Check our blog on Umrah Essentials Guide and get all the tips you need for a tree-free journey.
At Riwaya, we offer more than just solutions – we bring you the finest Islamic products to enrich your spiritual journey. Discover our exclusive range of Umrah essentials, from prayer mats and tasbih (prayer beads) to hijabs and abayas, and so much more.
With nearly 2.8 million Muslims living in the United Kingdom, which equals about 4.8% of the population, Islam constitutes the second largest religion in the country, after Christianity. The largest Muslim community can be found in London. The municipalities of Bradford, Luton, Blackburn, Birmingham, and Dewsbury also have significant Muslim populations.
In the UK, Eid al-Fitr 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, March 20, 2026, marking the end of Ramadan, though the exact date depends on the official sighting of the moon for the first day of Shawwal (1st Shawwal 1447 AH). This celebration marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the start of Shawwal, the tenth month.
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan. It serves as a joyous occasion for Muslims to come together in celebration, expressing gratitude for completing the month of fasting. The festivities include Eid prayer (communal prayer), feasting, exchanging gifts, and acts of charity.
Eid al-Fitr begins with a communal prayer. It is performed in congregations at mosques or outdoor prayer grounds. Muslims dress in their finest attire and embrace the spirit of unity and togetherness. Families and friends gather to share festive meals, which often feature traditional delicacies and sweets. Also, it is customary to extend acts of charity during Eid al-Fitr, ensuring that the less fortunate can also partake in the festivities.
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It becomes apparent that Ramadan extends beyond a mere physical act of abstaining from food and drink. It embodies a spiritual journey, promoting self-discipline, empathy, and a deep connection with Allah.
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Ramadan 2025, it is a time to infuse our lives with devotion, compassion, and a renewed sense of purpose. May this Ramadan be a source of spiritual growth, closeness to God, and unity among all believers!
At Riwaya we aim to support and enhance your Ramadan experience by providing a diverse array of Islamic products and gifts that resonate with the essence of this holy month.
We invite you to explore our platform and discover a curated collection of Islamic products that not only align with your values and beliefs but are also perfect for embracing the spirit of Ramadan.
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