Ramadan Dates 2026
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, a sacred period when millions of Muslims embark on a profound journey of fasting, reflection, prayer, and charity. (Ramadan Dates 2026) Fasting known as Roza from dawn (Sehri) to sunset (Iftar) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making Ramadan among the most spiritually significant observances for Muslim communities worldwide.
When Does Ramadan 2026 Begin?
The exact start of Ramadan 2026 depends entirely on the sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal) that marks the end of the month of Sha’ban and the beginning of Ramadan 1447 AH.
Saudi Arabia
Muslims in Saudi Arabia traditionally look for the new crescent moon on the evening of February 17, 2026 after Maghrib prayers. If the crescent is spotted, the first day of fasting in the Kingdom the first Roza will be observed on February 18, 2026. If not seen, the fast could start on February 19 following a full 30-day Sha’ban.
Saudi moon-sighting committees and (Ramadan Dates 2026) the Supreme Court play a key role in confirming sightings, a tradition rooted deeply in Islamic practice.
India
In India, Ramadan traditionally starts one day after Saudi Arabia once the crescent moon is sighted locally. Based on astronomical and observational reports, the first day of fasting in India is most likely to be February 19, 2026, with possibility of February 20 if the crescent isn’t visible on February 18.
Why Moon Sighting Matters
The Islamic (Ramadan Dates 2026) calendar is lunar, not solar, meaning months begin with the first sighting of the new crescent moon. This traditional method rooted in teachings from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) takes precedence in many Muslim communities over astronomical calculations alone.
Official moon sightings can differ across regions due to geography, weather, and local visibility, which is why some countries begin Ramadan a day earlier or later than others.
End of Sha’ban 1447 AH
The Islamic month preceding Ramadan is Sha’ban. Completion of Sha’ban (the 29th or 30th day) is essential before Ramadan can begin, based on the moon sighting. In 2026, Sha’ban’s end was confirmed around January 19, 2026, adjusting the lunar calendar and influencing the upcoming dates for Ramadan.
First Roza (Ramadan Dates 2026)
Once the crescent is sighted:
Saudi Arabia –First Roza: likely February 18 or 19, 2026
India – First Roza: likely February 19 or 20, 2026
During Ramadan, Muslims begin each fast with a pre-dawn meal (Sehri) and break it with Iftar at sunset. These timings vary by location and get slightly earlier in the morning and later in the evening as the month progresses.
How Long Will Ramadan Last?
Ramadan typically lasts 29 or 30 days. The length depends again on the crescent moon sighting at the end of Ramadan. For 2026, most astronomical predictions suggest 29 days, meaning the last fasting day would likely be March 19, 2026, and Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Dates 2026) the festival celebrating the end of fasting could be observed on March 20, 2026.
Spiritual Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is far more than abstaining from food and drink. It is a time to:
Increase prayers and Quran recitation
Practice self-discipline and compassion
Engage in charitable deeds
Strengthen community bonds
Muslims around the world also seek Laylat al-Qadr (Ramadan Dates 2026) (the Night of Power) during the final odd nights of Ramadan a night of profound spiritual reward, believed to be when the Quran was first revealed.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2026
amadan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr, a joyous celebration marked by prayer, feasting, and community gatherings. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, Eid may fall on March 20, 2026 across many parts of the world.
Final Words
Whether you are preparing your heart and home for Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, India, or beyond, the anticipation of the crescent moon (Ramadan Dates 2026) and the spiritual transformation that follows is a timeless tradition unifying millions of Muslims each year.
Stay tuned to local moon-sighting announcements and community updates to know the official start of Ramadan 2026 in your region.
