As the sun dips below the horizon on February 23, 2026, millions of Muslims across the globe will pause, listen for the Maghrib call to prayer, and gather with family and friends to break their Ramadan fast. But for those observing this sacred month, a single question echoes each evening: What is the iftar time today?
Ramadan, a period of deep devotion, discipline, and reflection, is marked by fasting from dawn—signaled by the Fajr prayer—until sunset, when the Maghrib prayer heralds the moment of iftar. This daily rhythm brings communities together, but the precise timing of iftar is anything but uniform. According to News9, the answer depends on where you are in the world—and even within a single country, it can vary by minutes, underscoring the importance of consulting local timetables.
This year, Ramadan falls after the winter solstice, meaning days are gradually lengthening. As Filmogaz notes, this seasonal shift results in fasting hours stretching a bit longer each day, with iftar occurring a few minutes later as the month progresses. For Muslims, this predictable but subtle change is more than a quirk of the calendar—it’s a daily test of patience and discipline, as the anticipation for that first sip of water or bite of date grows with every passing minute.
In India, a nation famed for its vastness and diversity, these differences are especially pronounced. On February 23, 2026, the fifth Roza (fast) of Ramzan will be observed in many parts of the country, while in France, the same Gregorian date is marked as the sixth day of Ramadan. This discrepancy, as highlighted by Filmogaz, is a reminder that local calendars and counting conventions can differ, making it crucial for observers to rely on city-specific timetables.
So, what are the iftar times across India on this particular evening? Both Astropatri.com and Filmogaz provide a detailed look: Noida’s iftar is set for 6:16 PM, Delhi at 6:17 PM, Jaipur at 6:24 PM, Kolkata at 6:22 PM, Jammu at 6:22 PM, Mumbai at 6:43 PM, Hyderabad at 6:25 PM, Thiruvananthapuram at 6:33 PM, Ajmer at 6:29 PM, and Bengaluru at 6:27 PM. The difference between the earliest and latest iftar in these cities is nearly half an hour—a direct result of India’s longitudinal spread. As Astropatri.com explains, eastern cities like Kolkata see sunset earlier than their western counterparts, such as Mumbai. Even within a single country, geography plays a decisive role.
But the story doesn’t stop at India’s borders. Ramadan’s global reach means that Muslims in France, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Pakistan, and Bangladesh all consult their own local schedules. In France, a provisional timetable for February 23, 2026, sets iftar at 6:27 PM. In Oman, Muscat’s sunset falls between 6:05 PM and 6:15 PM. Saudi Arabia’s major cities report iftar times of 6:22 PM in Makkah, 6:21 PM in Madinah, 5:52 PM in Riyadh, and 6:25 PM in Jeddah. The UAE’s timings are similarly precise: Dubai between 6:15 PM and 6:25 PM, Abu Dhabi at 6:22 PM, Sharjah and Ajman at 6:17 PM.
Farther afield, London’s iftar is around 5:30 PM, New York’s at 5:45 PM, Karachi’s at 6:31 PM, and Dhaka’s at 5:58 PM. As News9 points out, fasting hours can vary considerably in countries farther from the equator, with some Muslims facing much longer or shorter days depending on the season.
Why does such precision matter? The answer is rooted in both faith and tradition. Breaking the fast even a minute before Maghrib invalidates the day’s fast, making accuracy essential. As News9 explains, Muslims rely on verified prayer calendars, mosque announcements, or trusted Islamic apps to ensure they break their fast at exactly the right moment. “Iftar begins at the exact moment of sunset. Breaking the fast before Maghrib invalidates the roza,” the outlet emphasizes, underscoring the discipline at the heart of Ramadan observance.
The act of breaking the fast is itself steeped in tradition. Across cultures and continents, Muslims begin iftar with dates and water, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. Only after this simple ritual do families and friends gather for the main meal, which can vary from household to household. As Astropatri.com notes, “It is Sunnah to begin with dates and water before offering Maghrib prayer.” This moment, repeated millions of times each evening, is a powerful reminder of unity, gratitude, and faith.
Yet, the practicalities of Ramadan observance extend beyond the dinner table. Because sunset—and therefore iftar—shifts by one or two minutes each day as Ramadan progresses, observers must remain vigilant, updating their schedules regularly. Local mosques and Islamic authorities play a crucial role, providing daily Maghrib times that guide communities through the month. As Filmogaz suggests, “Consult the provisional timetable relevant to your locality.” In a world where a few minutes can make all the difference, accuracy is everything.
For many, Ramadan is also a time to extend warm wishes and prayers to loved ones. Articles across the spectrum—from Astropatri.com to Filmogaz—share heartfelt messages: “May your iftar table be filled with nourishing food, peaceful conversations, and countless reasons to feel grateful today. Ramadan Mubarak.” These words capture the spirit of the month: a blend of reflection, compassion, and community.
As February 23, 2026, unfolds, Muslims everywhere will once again look to the sky, check their watches, and listen for that unmistakable call to prayer. Whether in bustling Mumbai, historic Makkah, or the heart of New York City, the ritual is the same—rooted in ancient tradition, shaped by geography, and united by faith. In a world of constant change, the discipline and togetherness of Ramadan serve as a powerful reminder of what endures.